INCENTIVE FOR CROP - RM2.4 BILLION

The Malaysian government has allocated RM2.4 billion for continuation of subsidies and incentives in the agricultural sector announced by Prime Minister. He said in the 2014 budget presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the agriculture sector had not been left behind in the agenda of the national budget. The allocation includes subsidies for fertilizers, seeds and rice prices, production incentives and increasing paddy rice price subsidies and incentives for fishermen,” he said at the final closing of national budget. On that the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro based Industry said this proved the government’s commitment to further develop the agricultural sector in this country. MoA spokesman said agriculture had not only been viewed a very important element in the national economy growth but also rice planting which is to be used as a ‘National Food Security Crop’. In addition, according to the minister, to increase productivity and produce agricultural products of high demand, the government has allocated RM634 million under the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA).

Among the projects underlined are rice planting, fish cage project, seaweed project, swiftlet project, high-value herbs projects, vegetable planting and fruits for the export market. The swiftlet project are among high impact and revenue for local farmers due to the high expection and quality income (Please see photo next). Malaysia produce premium quality swiftlet product in the world for many years.  In accordance with the provisions provided for agricultural development, support programs such as loan schemes with low interest rates were also increased in order to promote and encourage entrepreneur development. Many department, agencies and private sectors would be implementing skills training courses in agricultural technology such as basic agriculture to create awareness and open the minds of those who are interested and aspire to go further in the field of agricultural entrepreneurship. Recently the government was aware that in order to enable farmers to achieve progress and durability to be competitive, they need a high knowledge in order to understand how to become a successful agricultural entrepreneur. Obviously, we need farmers who are knowledgeable and skilled in addition to having the mental strength and physical endurance that can utilise advanced agricultural sustainability and competitiveness to make Malaysia a popular in the global agricultural hub. 

Sixteen percent of the population of Malaysia is employed through some sort of agriculture. Large-scale plantations were established by the British. These plantations opened opportunity for new crops such as rubber (1876), palm oil (1917) and cocoa (1950). The climate of Malaysia produces the proper conditions for production of exotic produce. It is located on a peninsula in southeast Asia. This area is very rarely affected by hurricanes or drought. Malaysia maintains a humidity level around ninety percent because of its location close to the equator. The weather stays hot and humid all year round This ministry is also known as the Kementerian Pertanian & Industry Asas Tani Malaysia. The MOA had its name changed to the current title on 27 March 2004. The ministry serves as an agency for private agricultural businesses to get advised by experts that specialise in agriculture, fishing, and livestock.[3] The ministry plans the policies, strategies, and different development programs. It monitors, surveys, directs, and puts into action the projects given by the Integrated Agricultural Development Project (IADP). The ministry has services such as collecting, analysing and restoring information and agricultural data through science and provide the report to farmers. It provides references and agricultural management systems for plantation owners to access all collected agriculture information.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018...

By,

M Anim,

Senior Agronomist,

Aras 7, G42,

WismaTani, Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(December 2017).