10,000 farmers nationwide benefit from Prihatin Peladang programme, says Nafas director

Kiandee (second from left) handing over a box of donations from Nagas to a representative as Zainal Abidin (left) looks on. Photo: Bernama

BELURAN (Bernama): Nearly 10,000 families nationwide have received benefits totalling RM1.01mil from the Prihatin Peladang corporate social responsibility programme by the National Farmers Organisation (Nafas).

Nafas director Datuk Zainal Abidin Yang Razalli said the contribution was part of the distribution of Nafas’ business zakat wakalah (representative) to zakat recipients comprising members and local communities.

"Nafas is always concerned and views seriously measures to ease the burden of the needy and low-income families, especially when the country is still facing the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

He was speaking to Bernama after the launch of the programme by Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee here Sunday (Oct 17).

Zainal Abidin said Nafas had also planned programmes and formulated new business models to ensure continuity.

These include taking up the Ministry's proposal to be involved in its Large-Scale Smart Padi (Smart SBB) programme, he said.

"Through the Smart SBB approach, Nafas can boost the income of padi farmers by increasing production.

"This means, Nafas will move from the traditional business model such as supplying fertilisers, pesticides and others to the aspect of plantation and also Smart SBB," he said.

Earlier, Kiandee expressed his appreciation to Nafas for its continued concern for its members and the local populace, especially when facing Covid-19.

"The Prihatin Peladang initiative is also in line with the commitment of the ministry to ensure the welfare of needy groups, especially among the families of farmers, livestock rearers and fishermen, are always prioritised.

"I am confident and believe that Nafas, at all levels, will continue to provide quality and dynamic services and strive to be actively involved in the entire value chain of the national padi industry.

"Nafas should also explore value-added and downstream activities, modern and digital technologies, in particular, so that productivity is maximised and income can be boosted,” he added. - Bernama