Agriculture sector vital for reducing dependence on food import
nabalunews
By AVV

17 November 2024
PENAMPANG: The agriculture sector is a key focus for the government, aimed at reducing reliance on imported food supplies, and the Penampang Farmers' Organisation (PPK) plays a crucial role as a grassroots catalyst for this initiative.
PPK Penampang is positioned to collaborate with various government agencies, including the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC) through its agency Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM), which offers financing to cooperatives involved in the agro-food sector.
MEDC Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick highlighted this opportunity during the launch of the Freshwater Fish Farming in Tanks Course, organised by the PPK. His speech was delivered by his Special Task Officer, Billy Joe Dominic.
“This initiative is part of the government’s strategy, through our ministry, to address the food supply shortages in the country. I encourage the community in the Penampang area, especially members of PPK Penampang engaged in agriculture and livestock activities, to consider establishing family cooperatives, community cooperatives, or association cooperatives in their respective villages,” he stated.
He emphasised that such initiatives are important for facilitating the ministry's ability to channel funding to cooperatives that require financial resources to expand their operations.
Ewon further urged them to view agriculture as a source of wealth, rather than merely a traditional hereditary practice.
“In fact, agriculture can generate significant income for those who commit to it. We are fortunate that our state is endowed with rich natural resources, including vast, fertile land that can be commercially developed for agriculture and livestock,” he remarked.
He expressed hope that members of PPK Penampang will fully embrace new technologies in the livestock sector to boost production yields and enhance the quality of their products.
Meanwhile, Alban Joanis @ Mansali, Chairman of PPK Penampang, remarked that the course, attended by 23 participants, was exceptional and comprehensive, covering all aspects of freshwater fish breeding.
He noted that the engaging format of the course encouraged active participation from the audience, allowing attendees to fully engage with the lectures throughout the session.
Alban emphasised the significance of the course in enhancing participants' knowledge and announced plans for similar courses in the future, which may focus on expanding their fish farming operations.
"This is a foundational course aimed at deepening your understanding of fish breeding," he said, encouraging participants to persevere in their endeavors.
He also expressed his gratitude to Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also the Penampang Member of Parliament (MP) for the generous support of RM30,000, which not only funded the course but also provided each participant with a complete fish tank setup and fish fry.
He urged all participants to do their best in carrying out their endeavours and stressed that PPK will work together with all Units to ensure their success.
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