Agriculture sector driving force against food shortage

Carl (middle) with PPK chairman Alban Joanis (left)

18 July 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: The agricultural sector is consistently highlighted by the government as a key area for reducing dependency on imported food supplies.

Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Coporative (MEDC) Datuk Ewon Benedick said this in his text of speech during the launching of the 46th Annual General Meeting of the Penampang Farmers' Association (PPK) today.

His speech was delivered by Carl Mosoom, his Political Secretary

Ewon who is also the Penampang Member of Parliament said PPK plays a vital role as a driving force at the grassroots level

As such those involved in agriculture such as PPK should collaborate with government agencies, including agencies under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Coporative (MEDC).

According to him, agriculture should be viewed as a wealth-generating opportunity rather than a tradition.

Diligent cultivation can yield a decent income, leveraging the country's abundant natural resources and expansive, fertile land for commercial agricultural pursuits.

Ewon said the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM), one of the agencies under his ministry, provides financing to cooperatives involved in the agri-food sector. This is a government initiative through MEDC to help address food supply shortages in the country.

" I encourage the community in the Penampang area or members of PPK involved in farming and livestock activities to establish cooperatives. This is important to assist in the food supply chain and ensure food security in the country."

PPK also needs to play a role in making farmers and livestock breeders more productive and competitive in advancing the country's agricultural sector to ensure an adequate food supply, he said.

PPK is now facing a new phase that demands a paradigm shift to adapt to technological advancements and changing times, he said expressing his hope that they fully leverage the use of new technologies in agriculture to increase yields and produce higher-quality agricultural products.

"In facing the challenges of food security in the future, the Farmers' Organisation, especially in Penampang, should formulate plans and strategies to address various threats such as pandemics, climate change, and rising agricultural input costs."

Also present were Alban Joanis PPK Penampang chairman and Committee members.