
Agriculture must embrace tech to remain competitive, says Hajiji
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this at the closing ceremony of the National Farmers, Breeders, and Fishermen's Day (HPPNK) 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Sunday (Aug 3).
'The future of this sector depends on the community's ability to innovate and adapt to the new landscape of modern agriculture,' he said.
Hajiji said that agriculture was the third-largest contributor to Sabah's economy, contributing RM12.2bil, or 14.5% to the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the closing ceremony of HPPNK 2025. It was also attended by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, as well as other federal and state leaders.
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11 hours ago
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Borneo Post
a day ago
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