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Local News
January-February . 2025 | @ AGROBiz

Local News

05

Boosting local agriculture

THE Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority ( Fama ) has urged Malaysians to support local fruit farmers , especially amid rising production costs , to enhance food security and boost local agricultural output .

Fama Director-General Abdul Rashid Bahri acknowledged that local fruit prices are sometimes higher than imported alternatives but emphasised that the increased cost of production is a result of external factors like inflation and supply chain disruptions .
“ Farmers face high operational costs , which is why it ’ s important
to show support for them ,” he said in an interview .
Abdul Rashid emphasised that supporting local produce helps strengthen the agricultural industry , enabling farmers to increase production and make fruits more affordable . He noted that while local fruits may be priced higher , supporting local farmers aligns with the country ’ s broader food security efforts .
External challenges , such as the ongoing war in Ukraine , have exacerbated the situation , leading to higher costs for fertilisers and pesticides . The global supply chain disruptions have also affected
farming operations in Malaysia , particularly in states hit by extreme weather conditions .
Abdul Rashid explained : “ These challenges have caused shortages in local production , and despite the open market , demand for local produce remains limited .”
To address these challenges , Fama is actively promoting fruits like watermelon and honeydew to hotels , catering to both local and international guests . The agency is also pushing for high-tech farming methods and attracting younger generations to agriculture to tackle food sufficiency concerns in the long term .
In response to rising costs , Fama has introduced various initiatives , including 2,789 contract farming agreements , to provide farmers with stable markets and predictable pricing .
Programmes such as floor price support , Malaysia Good Agricultural Practices ( myGAP ) incentives , and forward agreements help stabilise income and improve market access for farmers .
Fama also encourages consumers to buy directly from farmers through its farm-to-table schemes , ensuring price stability and supporting sustainable agriculture practices across the country .

Farmers ’ relief aid

A total of 184 farmers from the Bawang Assan constituency received agricultural aid amounting to RM899,263.20 under the Agriculture Facilitation Fund ( AFF ) on December 11 2024 .
Each beneficiary received six bags of Green NPK fertiliser , six bags of Blue NPK fertiliser , three five-litre cans of herbicide , two bottles of insecticide , and three packets of fungicide , valued at RM4,887.30 per person .
The aid was distributed through the Progressive Democratic Party ( PDP ) Bawang Assan , with support from the Sarawak Department of Agriculture .
Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh highlighted that the rising costs of farming materials , particularly fertilisers and pesticides , have created significant challenges for local farmers .
“ The costs of fertilisers have nearly tripled in some cases , placing a heavy burden on farmers ,
( Front from fifth left ) Soon Koh and Radziah pose with the aid recipients and officials .
especially vegetable growers , who have been forced to scale back production or , in some cases , abandon farming altogether ,” he said .
Wong noted that many farmers in the area had faced severe financial pressures due to inflation , leading some to reconsider their farming ventures due to low profitability .
He also mentioned that the last time he had helped secure similar assistance for local farmers was in 2020 before he re-entered government .
He explained : “ When I was in the opposition , I couldn ’ t access such funding , but now , as part of the government , I can help more effectively .”
In recent weeks , Wong has visited various farming areas in Bawang Assan to address local issues , including clearing drains and small rivers to prevent water stagnation . He also expressed gratitude to Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom , the Minister for Food Industry , Commodity and Regional Development , for facilitating the aid .
Moreover , Sarawak Agriculture Department ’ s Deputy Director , Radziah Jack , shared that 210 farmers had received similar assistance in 2020 , and today ’ s aid targeted those who had not previously benefited . – @ AGROBiz