JAMAWI said the State Government is also focusing on reducing dependence on imported animal feed, which currently stands at 98 per cent.
Among the measures taken is opening about 1,000 acres of commercial corn farms this year with an allocation of RM25 million provided by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“This initiative is important to stabilise feed costs and in turn help reduce the prices of chicken and eggs in the market,” he said.
He also encouraged rural communities to rear egg-laying chickens on a small scale as a way to boost food supply and family income.
At the same time, Jamawi said the State Government is targeting an increase in the rice self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) from 20 per cent to 40 per cent within five years.
He said the strategy includes increasing paddy yield per hectare and reactivating about 3,000 hectares of idle paddy fields in several districts including Kota Belud and Kota Marudu.
“With these integrated efforts, we are confident that Sabah’s agri-food sector will continue to grow and be able to ensure the state’s food security,” he said.
Earlier, Jamawi said his ministry is hosting a durian gathering with the media as a platform to foster closer ties between MAFFI and our media partners.
“We are not serving heavy meals, but instead giving the opportunity to enjoy fruits such as Musang King and Black Thorn durians, as well as introducing local avocados,” he said.
