The nation cannot rely on traditional farming and should utilise technology to promote agricultural activities such as utilising vertical farming and greenhouse farming to achieve the nation’s agricultural targets, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin said.
“We also want the dynamic-thinking youth to discover new techniques,” he said during the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting yesterday.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf was replying to a query by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin on the target of production revenue from the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism’s (MPRT) strategic plan.
The minister added, “Six to seven companies have penetrated foreign markets and the ministries are concerned in trying to find new market access to increase production and not rely on thedomestic market.”
Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostaman raised the issues of food security and plans for farms outside the country.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf said there have been discussions with other countries.
Questioned on developing areas for rural community farming for self-sufficiency in the family, the minister highlighted vertical farming to plant sawi, adding “but cleanliness must be adhered to”.
On steps taken to reduce the cost of meat and eggs, the minister said, “The feed for chicken relied on import resulting in prices to increase. There is a company that produces feed locally. However, we still depend on foreign source for commodities like beans and the cost is beyond our control.” – Azlan Othman
