Latest news with #StateAgriculture
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor allocates RM2 million to boost durian industry
JOHOR BARU: The Johor government has allocated RM2 million this year to strengthen the state's durian industry, aiming to support small- and medium-scale growers and boost fruit production for both local and export markets. The allocation, jointly provided with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, is expected to benefit 341 durian farmers and cover approximately 650 hectares of cultivated land. The initiative is part of Johor's broader plan to upscale tropical fruit farming, with a target of producing more than 900,000 metric tonnes annually by 2027, including major crops such as coconut, pineapple, jackfruit, guava, watermelon, papaya, and banana. State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the durian sector continues to show strong potential, especially with growing global demand for Malaysian varieties. "The durian season may be ending, but our commitment to the industry is only beginning. This RM2 million investment reflects our focus on empowering local farmers and scaling Johor's tropical fruit industry sustainably," he said in a statement today. Zahari added that while premium varieties such as Musang King and Black Thorn draw international attention, kampung durians still command a loyal following and steady demand. Kampung durian refers to non-clonal, seed-grown durian trees typically found in rural orchards, smallholdings, or naturally propagated farms across the country. "The fruit industry remains a key contributor to Johor's agro-economy, and the state plans to continue leveraging its fertile land and established farming networks to elevate export value. "More funding and technical support are expected to be channelled to fruit cooperatives, research, and infrastructure development over the next two years," he said.
The Sun
19-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Kelantan aims to become national hub for horse breeding industry
BACHOK: The Kelantan goverment aims to turn the state into a hub for the horse industry to realise the developing potential of horse breeding. State Agriculture, Agrofood Industry and Commodities Committee chairman Datuk Tuan Mohd Saripudin Tuan Ismail said they were considering the matter and is ready to work with the Veterinary Services Department (DSV) to realise their aim. 'If we look at the number of horse breeders in Kelantan, it really is high as people here love breeding horses as a hobby. So it's very suitable with public interest that's linked to horses. 'There are various quality horse breeds, from small and large breeds in the state,' he said at a media conference after officiating the 2025 national level Animal Welfare Day and the Horse Identification Card Registration here today. With detailed planning and support, the effort would not only boost the livelihood of breeders, but has the potential of turning Kelantan into a new agro-tourism centre capable of attracting both foreign and local tourists. Meanwhile, DVS director-general Dr Akma Ngah Hamid said that Kelantan had great potential to be a hub for the horse industry in Malaysia. It would require a culture of responsible conservation, shoring up registration systems and monitoring, as well as developing training and research programmes to strengthen the industry in a comprehensive manner, she added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Young hands on old land: More youth farming than data shows, says DOSM
ALOR STAR: Malaysia's agriculture sector may not be as grey as it looks on paper. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), many farms registered under elderly landowners are actually being run by younger family members. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said many young people are already running farms, even if the elderly still legally own the land. He urged the public not to mistake land registration data for a lack of youth involvement. "There's no retirement age in farming. Land in the villages is often still registered under our parents or grandparents' names, even if younger family members are the ones managing it.," he said at the state-level launch of the Agriculture Census 2024 Interim Report. The census found that only 124,431 people in Kedah are currently involved in agriculture—a small slice of the state's 2.2 million population. But Uzir pointed to rural-to-urban migration and demographic shifts as influencing the numbers. "In some farms, where they used to need 20 workers, now five can get the job done thanks to technology and those five are earning better pay," he said, adding that youth with technical skills are vital to farming's future. State Agriculture, Plantation and Transportation Committee chairman Dzowahir Ab Ghani said free courses and high-tech tools like drones are being offered to make farming more appealing to youth. "These efforts are designed to appeal to young people, they enjoy working with modern tools," he said.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Call for Perlis youths to take up agriculture, reduce reliance on aging farmers
PADANG BESAR: Youths in Perlis are being called on to take up agriculture as a viable career path, amid concerns that the sector is increasingly reliant on elderly farmers. According to the state-level 2024 Agriculture Census Interim Report, 54.4 per cent of farmers in the state are aged 60 and above. In contrast, only 18.2 per cent of those involved in agriculture are between 15 and 45. State Agriculture, Plantation and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Razali Saad said it was crucial to get young people involved to ensure long-term food security and economic sustainability. "There are many government incentives and support schemes in place to help young people get started in agriculture, as this sector plays a key role in our state's economy, and the youth should seize the opportunity to develop their own ventures," he told reporters today. Razali said many senior farmers currently active had only entered agriculture after retiring from other careers, which partly explained the demographic imbalance. "The challenge is that many young people still prefer jobs outside agriculture. This is why we need to promote the sector more actively as a professional and rewarding option," he added.
Daily Express
28-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Stepping up Sabah's chicken output
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 By: Garry Lewis Text Size: Jeffrey (second, left) in a group photo at the event. TAMBUNAN: Broiler chicken farming has been elevated as a key pillar of Sabah's Agricultural Revolution, in line with efforts to ensure food security and boost rural incomes. Deputy Chief Minister cum State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said this initiative represents one of the State Government's primary strategies to make Sabah Malaysia's largest broiler producer. 'The government, through my ministry, is currently implementing the Agricultural Revolution initiative to strengthen the rural economy. One of our main focuses is increasing broiler production,' Jeffrey said after launching the Broiler Farming Course attended by some 200 participants from rural areas. The programme was organised by a private farming company in collaboration with the Sabah Veterinary Services Department here. Jeffrey said the course, conducted with cooperation from the Department of Veterinary Services and private sector partners, aims to provide systematic training to participants to make chicken production more organised and productive, including technical assistance for coop preparation and chick supply. He encouraged youths and agricultural entrepreneurs to participate in this sector to ensure broiler farming can be developed intensively on a commercial scale. 'With continued support from relevant agencies, I am confident that broiler farming can become the main driver of Sabah's food security and contribute to the state's rural economic development,' he said. At the same ceremony, Jeffrey presented RM10,000 in financial assistance to the Tambunan District School Sports Council, which will host the State-level School Sports Council Championship on June 29. The State Government remains committed to strengthening the agricultural sector through various assistance programmes and training initiatives, aiming for Sabah to achieve its target of becoming the nation's primary broiler production hub in the future. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
