KOTA TINGGI: Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has called on the Felda settlers to work together to ensure the success of the new agriculture policy goals.
Mohamed Azmin said the new policy, which combines low productivity land to become a larger estate professionally managed using the latest technology, is aimed at reducing the dependence of Felda settlers on commodity yields and providing better income to the group.
He said the policy initiative had already begun in Felda Bukit Rokan, Negeri Sembilan where 31ha of land are being developed with mushroom and a rabbit farming industry.
“This (project) will definitely help the people of Felda. We cannot rely on rubber and palm oil commodities, because the prices are not sustainable.
“That’s why we proposed for Felda people and settlers to get involved in the new business model so that even when prices for these commodities drop, they still have the additional income from cash crops such as chillies, vegetables and fruits,” he told reporters after handing over house keys of the Felda New Generation Housing (PGBF) projects at Felda Sungai Sibol here today.
Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal and Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Dr Radzi Jidin.
On the housing project, Mohamed Azmin said nearly 5,000 units need to be completed within two years.
“There are houses that have been abandoned for over six years, for example in Sungai Sibol, and the houses in a few other places have been abandoned for over 10 years.
“So, through the Felda White Paper tabled last year, RM250 mil has been allocated by the government to complete the houses including RM3.4 mil for 360 units of houses in Sungai Sibol,” he said. – Jan 10, 2020 Bernama
