KUALA PILAH: Approval has been given to 144,894 smallholders under the Plantation and Commodities Ministry’s targeted diesel subsidy scheme as of July 15, says Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
The Plantation and Commodities Minister said this represented the highest number of approved recipients under the Budi Agrokomoditi targeted diesel subsidy programme.
She said the achievement reflected the government’s commitment to easing diesel costs for eligible farmers and commodity smallholders but stressed that more outreach is needed to ensure all those eligible benefited from the scheme.
“As of July 15, a total of 144,894 smallholders under the ministry have been approved to receive assistance under Budi Agrokomoditi.
“So far, our ministry has recorded the highest number of approved smallholders,” she said in her speech at the Salam Agrikomoditi programme here yesterday.
Noraini said the ministry could not afford to be complacent, as some eligible smallholders had yet to register or fully understand the application process.
“That is why we are encouraging everyone to make full use of today’s programme. Speak to our officers, check your eligibility and obtain accurate information through the proper channels.”
Noraini said the Budi Agrokomoditi initiative was introduced to help eligible farmers and commodity smallholders offset part of their diesel costs for agricultural and commodity production activities.
She said the carnival at Salam Agrikomoditi programme also serves as a platform for smallholders to obtain information on government assistance programmes and technical services.
“It also provides youths with opportunities to explore training and career pathways, while entrepreneurs can obtain guidance on business development and market access,” she said.
“I hope visitors do not come merely to look around. Go home with at least one new piece of information, one new opportunity or one avenue that can help improve your family’s income and quality of life.”
