KOTA TINGGI: The government aims to reduce Malaysia's dependence on imported food by 50% by 2050, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister said the target was set to address the country's food import costs, which currently amounts to about RM80bil a year.
He said ministry has drawn up a long-term plan to be implemented in phases over the next three decades.
"Currently, we import food worth about RM80bil a year. Through this integrated effort, we can reduce food imports through the agencies under the ministry.
"We are targeting a reduction in food imports of at least 15% by 2030, followed by more than 30% by 2040, before achieving our target of a 50% reduction by 2050," he told reporters after officiating the Risda Agro Majestic programme in Bandar Tenggara on Saturday (July 4).
Commenting on the implementation strategy, Ahmad Zahid said the main focus would be on optimising idle and underutilised land owned by agencies under the ministry.
He said the land would be developed into Agro Madani projects and livestock farming areas to strengthen domestic food security, through close collaboration between Risda, Felcra, the Veterinary Services Department and state agricultural agencies.
"This food security initiative was actually launched nationwide three years ago. The ministry's intervention has proven to have a positive impact, with contributions from broiler chicken and layer farming projects helping to stabilise market prices," he said.
However, Ahmad Zahid said the involvement of agencies under his ministry was not intended to compete with existing commercial livestock farmers.
"This is an effort to ensure adequate supply. When the supply of chicken and eggs is sufficient, consumers will be able to purchase them at reasonable prices," he said. – Bernama
