MAHA, HPPNK Reflect growing Public Interest In Agriculture - Mohamad

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The success of the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism (MAHA) 2024 exhibition and the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day (HPPNK) 2025 demonstrates the growing public interest in agriculture, said Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the next edition of MAHA is expected to be even more vibrant, not only in terms of visitor turnout but also in sales value and wider participation, especially among youths.

“Last year’s MAHA drew over five million visitors. For the next edition, we aim to attract a higher number of visitors, increase sales value and foster a deeper understanding among those involved in this sector.

“The government wants agriculture to be seen not as a part-time job but as a main source of income. We are now seeing more young people entering this field,” he said in his speech at the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry’s (KPKM) Monthly Assembly in conjunction with the National Month 2025 celebration here today.

MAHA 2024, which marked its 100th edition, recorded more than 5.5 million visitors and direct sales worth RM48.5 million during its 12-day run at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) from Sept 11-22 last year.

The HPPNK 2025, held in Sabah from Aug 1-3, received over 500,000 visitors and generated sales exceeding RM15 million.

Meanwhile, KPKM secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak said the next MAHA is expected to highlight technological advancements, including high-quality seed production to boost yields and competitiveness.

“We want to raise the quality of MAHA by focusing on new technology and investment opportunities, including ICT-based programmes. This is to create more agropreneurs, optimise idle land and tackle climate change challenges,” he said.

MAHA is a biennial event held at MAEPS, Serdang, with its most recent edition in September 2024.

In another development, Isham said subsidised local white rice (BPT) in 10-kilogramme (kg) bags priced at RM26 is still available in the market, with poor households now allowed to purchase up to five bags compared to two previously.

He said KPKM will soon discuss the implementation of a pilot project to distribute 24 million bags of subsidised BPT over six months at the National Action Council of Cost of Living (NACCOL) Executive Committee Meeting.

“Discussions with the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) will be held soon, and a decision will be made at the (NACCOL) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister,” he said.

On Feb 25, Padi and Rice Regulatory Division director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Mohd said 24 million packs will be sold in Peninsular Malaysia from March 1, benefitting 400,000 poor households.

-- BERNAMA