Rural potential: Mohamad (second from left) touring the area after launching the Kampung Guar Petai Agricultural Sector Empowerment Programme. — Bernama
TASEK GELUGOR: A total of RM2.138mil has been allocated for the development of various projects, particularly those related to agriculture and livestock farming, at the four Madani-adopted villages in this area.
Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the projects encompass 112.3ha of land in Kampung Guar Petai, Kampung Labuh Banting, Kampung Tok Jawa and Kampung Baru.
“Usually, one ministry has one Madani adopted village, but KPKM has four villages here to be developed, and the allocation involves RM1.878mil for the agriculture sector and RM260,514 for the livestock farming sector.
“These projects involve maintenance work on a 20,000m-long ditch, liming and levelling of 150ha of land, construction of support infrastructure and the provision of modern machinery, such as tractors and drones, as well as agricultural input assistance to control the attack of a fast-growing weed known as keladi agas,” he said.
He made this statement after launching the Kampung Guar Petai Agricultural Sector Empowerment Programme at the Kampung Labuh Banting Flood Relief Centre yesterday, Bernama reported.
Mohamad said the four villages were selected because he was born and raised in the area, and he wants to continue developing these communities to bring added value to the residents.
He added that the implementation of the projects would increase the effectiveness of the drainage and irrigation systems, reduce yield losses due to pest and weed attacks and improve the efficiency of padi farmers through the use of modern mechanisation.
“For the livestock subsector, a total of 10 breeders have also received assistance for farm infrastructure, livestock breeds, machinery, equipment and livestock feed with an allocation of RM260,514, thus reducing operating costs and increasing competitiveness,” he said, adding that the ministry also supports local entrepreneurial projects.
These initiatives reflected the government’s determination to strengthen the agricultural sector in Penang so that it remains competitive, in addition to ensuring the country’s food security, he added.
Mohamad urged youths to join the agro-food sector by leveraging new technologies, such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, mechanisation and automation, in tandem with the Industrial Revolution 4.0.
“Digitalisation and modernisation will boost the country’s agro-food sector and make it more competitive, effective and resilient.
“Such efforts will not only ensure the country’s food security but also provide lucrative returns for the targeted groups and strengthen their socio-economy,” he said.
