MAFS Increases Terengganu's Agricultural Allocation To RM69.97 Million - Arthur

KUALA NERUS, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- The development allocation for Terengganu's agriculture sector has been increased to RM69.97 million this year, up from RM33.13 million last year.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said that the significant increase aims to bolster the national food security agenda, particularly in Terengganu.

He noted that this more-than-doubled allocation underscores the federal government's unwavering support for the agricultural sector's security and development, regardless of political affiliations or state boundaries.

"Terengganu is among the states receiving the highest agricultural development funding. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) has approved RM10.06 million for the state government under a cooperation programme aimed at optimising land use to enhance national food security.

“This funding will be used to implement 12 projects across agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries sectors,” he said during a press conference after officiating the state-level Mega Agro MADANI Sale Carnival 2024 at the Gong Badak Sports Complex.

At the event, Arthur presented various grants totalling RM2.04 million to 210 agricultural entrepreneurs in the state.

He also said that the MAFS had conducted 10,093 Agro MADANI Sales nationwide from April 18, 2023, to Aug 11 this year, surpassing the initial target of 10,000 sales, including in rural and remote areas.

According to him, the programme has positively impacted the economy by saving RM56 million on goods for approximately 21.34 million households nationwide.

“The Agro MADANI Sales indirectly boost farmers' incomes by allowing them to sell their produce directly to consumers. A total of 137,741 entrepreneurs have participated in this programme, generating sales worth RM187.8 million. In Terengganu alone, 395 sales have been held, with total sale value amounting to RM5.91 million,” he said.

In addition to the Agro MADANI Sales, MAFS also organised Mega Agro MADANI Sale Carnivals in Terengganu, Sabah and Perlis, with a sales target of RM2.46 million.

-- BERNAMA