KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has set aside RM553.07mil to develop its agriculture, fishery and food industry sectors this year, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the state Agriculture, Fishery and Food Industry Ministry will spearhead development efforts to increase yields and quality all round, and also ensure adequate food supply for the state.
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"Various initiatives and innovations have been introduced and implemented (such as) crop development, aquaculture, breeding and agropreneur development programmes," he said at a meet-and-greet programme with members of the Putatan Farmers' Organisation in Putatan near here on Sunday (Feb 4) night.
Hajiji said the state government would continue to support the Farmers' Organisation as it played a crucial role in the development of the state's food industry.
However, he urged all such organisations to take the initiative by diversifying their economic activities to improve their members’ socio-economic status.
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"Venture into the downstream industry. Farmers cannot just produce raw materials for the market, but ought to diversify their output to meet market demand.
"Take banana and pineapple, for example. They can be processed into snacks," he said.
He urged farmers to explore the downstream industry as Malaysia currently imports food to meet local demand.
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"I hope more members of farmers' organisations will venture into the agro-food businesses by obtaining produce from other districts and processing them into marketable products.
“Find ways and opportunities to work with the local authorities or private sector and create a smart partnership at all stages of the agro-food value chain," he added.