KOTA BARU: The agriculture sector contributed 1.1% to the gross domestic product (GDP) in the third quarter of last year.

       Agriculture and Food Industries Deputy Minister II Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi said it was a positive value even though the country’s GDP contracted due to the economic uncertainties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “The challenges faced by the agriculture sector, (including) to remain consistent in food production, especially in the current situation in the country, are undeniable. With the government’s efforts and the cooperation of all responsible parties, however, the situation has always been under control,” he said after launching the myGAP Non-Food Crop (myGAP.TBM) programme in Lundang here yesterday.

       On the myGAP.TBM programme, Che Abdullah said it was aimed at benefiting more non-food crop entrepreneurs through the myGAP.TBM certification.

       “This certification will facilitate access to the international market.

       “For the initial stage, we are targeting a total of 200 non-food crop entrepreneurs who have been registered under the Plant Material Certification Scheme, including entrepreneurs in Cameron Highlands, so that they can obtain this certificate by the middle of next year,” he said. — Bernama