THE state government aspires to develop its agriculture sector into a technology-driven and competitive sector, ensuring food security and safety while creating wealth for the farming community.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, when tabling the 2021 State Budget, said a sum of RM1.123 billion would be allocated next year to implement various programmes for this purpose.
“The programmes include the establishment of agro-park in Sg Baji, Sarikei and Sadong Jaya, Samarahan; establishment of agro-based industry incubator in southern and northern regions; establishment of pig farming area in Simunjan, Selangau and Samarahan; agrofood development programme; commodity crop development programme; and drainage and irrigation projects.”
He said efforts would be intensified to increase the self-sufficient level of rice from 51 per cent to 70 per cent by 2030 through the upgrading and rehabilitation of drainage and irrigation.
“This is necessary to enable farm mechanisation, precision farming practices, and to plant paddy for two seasons a year that will boost production and productivity.”
To increase the supply of beef, buffalo and goat meat to meet growing domestic demand, Abang Johari said a sum of RM13.5mil would be allocated to procure cattle, buffalo and goat breeder stocks to strengthen the ruminant integration with oil palm plantation programmes towards achieving a target of producing 150,000 heads of cattle by 2025.
He noted that the Agricultural Facilitation Fund (AFF) introduced this year had seen a sum of RM265mil allocated for the programme and its implementation would be continued next year.
He also revealed that a total sum of RM41.3mil would be allocated under the State Budget for the completion of infrastructure projects at rural growth centres in Opar, Beladin and Semop.
“We have made available a sum of RM29 million in 2021 to assist fishermen in cushioning the impact of inactivity during rainy seasons.
“We have also decided to extend the assistance to farmers in Sarawak involved in the cultivation of oil palm and pepper on a small-scale.
“We understand that their livelihood has been adversely affected in recent months due to price fluctuation compounded by the rising cost of fertilizer and agro- chemicals as these commodities are their major source of income.
“A sum of RM60 mln will be provided and is expected to benefit 75,000 farmers.”
