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Ministry targets 350 Agro Madani sales programmes in Sarawak this year
Arthur (third left) joins other guests for a photo call during the launch of the National Month special edition of Jualan Agro Madani at the compounds of Masjid Al-Malik, Taman Unigarden today. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KOTA SAMARAHAN (Aug 13): The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, through the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), has set a target of 350 Agro Madani sales programmes in Sarawak this year, said Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security said the programmes are part of the ministry's efforts to help reduce the cost of living while supporting local farmers and entrepreneurs by providing direct market access without intermediaries.
'As of July 31, Fama Sarawak has implemented 46 programmes with total sales amounting to RM191,062.10,' he said during a press conference after launching the National Month special edition of Jualan Agro Madani at the compounds of Masjid Al-Malik, Taman Unigarden here today.
Arthur added that the figures reflect only the first month of implementation, as the current cycle began in July.
He noted that Sarawak recorded RM7.58 million in sales last year through 473 programmes involving 3,459 entrepreneurs.
Nationwide, 495 Agro Madani sales have been held so far in this cycle. The ministry is targeting 3,500 programmes this year, with projected sales of RM52.5 million, expected savings of RM15.75 million, and participation from 52,500 entrepreneurs reaching 1.75 million consumers.
In 2024, 7,295 Agro Madani sales programmes were held, generating RM162.45 million in sales, benefiting 92,065 entrepreneurs and reaching 4.28 million consumers, with household savings amounting to RM43.64 million.
Arthur said that public demand for Agro Madani sales is high, with the possibility of exceeding this year's target, similar to last year, when the nationwide goal of 5,000 programmes was surpassed, reaching 7,295.
'By bringing products directly from farms to consumers, we help the public enjoy savings of between 10 and 30 per cent, while also boosting product marketing and sales for our entrepreneurs,' he said.
Today's special edition event in Kota Samarahan featured various activities, including the Happy Hour Sale (Jualan Agro Madani), the Eat Local Fruits Campaign, and the distribution of pineapples to visitors, organised in collaboration with the N17 Stakan Service Centre.
Also present at the event were Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Ibrahim dan Fama director-general Abdul Rashid Bahri.
