ALOR STAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said that events such as state level Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day was important to exchange knowledge and for people in the industry to learn about the new technology relating to their work.
“We need to give focus more on food products and food supply. Currently, the food supply is at 31 to 32% and we want to increase it to 35%.
“We also want to encourage the farmers to increase crop yield as the quality of rice from Kedah is very good,” he said.
The Farmers, Breeders and Fisherman day is a five-day event ending on October 25.
Mukhriz added that food security was a priority and productivity must be increased in order to compete well with other industries.
“The government is always mindful to the needs of farmers and fishermen and will provide suitable subsidies and incentives to motivate them and increase output.
“The padi estate system that is currently in place will help centralise the distribution of padi systematically and will increase output. We expect about 18,000 metric tonnes from the Area Farmers Organisation mini estate padi project this year.
“It involves 3,713 farmers and is expected to be worth RM21 million,” said Mukhriz.
“These projects receive RM4 million a year as part of the BERNAS Rakan Ladang scheme,” he said.
