ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor has the second highest population of ruminants after Pahang, with over 160,000 cows and goats recorded.
State agriculture, agro based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said Johor aims to raise the number to 200,000 by 2027.
He said this means boosting the current 160,845 cows and goats by about 20%.
“Johor continues to show positive growth in the ruminant sector and is a main contributor to national production,” he said.
“A total of RM19.8mil has been allocated by the state over 2021 to 2025 under the Veterinary Services Department,”added Zahari.
He said the allocation is specifically for developing the ruminant industry in Johor.
He was replying to Mohd Yusla Ismail (BN–Senggarang) at the state assembly in Kota Iskandar on Monday (Nov 17).
Zahari said strengthening the ruminant and dairy subsector is crucial for protein supply and national food security.
He said self-sufficiency remains low at 15.9% for beef and buffalo meat, 10.6% for goat and sheep meat, and 66.8% for fresh milk.
“Our import dependency remains high at 89.6% for beef and buffalo meat, 84.5% for goat and sheep meat, and 56.6% for fresh milk,” he said.
Zahari said measures are underway to raise local population and productivity.
He said these include improving livestock genetics via breeding assistance and expanding artificial insemination services.
Zahari added that other efforts include stronger disease control, better infrastructure and feed management, and support and training for farmers.
He said the state is also enhancing Permanent Food Production Parks for livestock.
