Melaka to identify abandoned lands for high-tech agriculture - Ab Rauf
MELAKA - A comprehensive study will be conducted to identify all abandoned lands in Melaka, including idle padi fields, which can be developed as high-tech agricultural areas.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said this study will be implemented by the state Agriculture Department as Melaka faces limited availability of agricultural land in the future, if proactive measures are not taken.
He said the proposed development of agricultural areas on abandoned lands includes private land or those owned by the government and agencies.
It is important to make agriculture a sustainable, resilient and high-tech sector to drive the economy and improve the well-being of the people as well as prioritise food security and nutrition, in line with the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030, he said.
"Based on the National Food Resource Area Land Use Planning Study (KAGUMN) by the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia), about 11,398 hectares (ha) in food production areas in the state was recorded in 2021, including fisheries, agriculture, animal husbandry and others.
"I was informed that at least 21,757 ha or 13.01 per cent of the food production areas need to be guaranteed to ensure that food security can be achieved holistically and comprehensively in the state and further support food production throughout the country by 2040," he said here today.
He said this after officiating at the three-day Melaka AgroFest 2023, which began yesterday, at Dataran Sejarah, Ayer Keroh here.
He said the state's achievement during the SSL includes eggs (925 per cent/pct), broiler chicken (296 pct), beef or buffalo meat (32 pct), vegetables (20 pct), fruits (39 pct) and padi (11 pct).
"The state government calls on all farmers to take positive steps so that the production of farming, animal husbandry and fishery products in Melaka can be increased and strengthened from time to time," he said.
"Besides this, the use of modern agriculture technology application is also highly encouraged in line with the government's policy towards the Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) for the agricultural sector in an effort to increase productivity and reduce production costs in the long term," he said.
He said the Melaka AgroFest 2023 will be used as a benchmark for the implementation of the programme on a larger and more festive scale next year in conjunction with the Visit Melaka Year 2024 (TMM 2024).
He said Melaka AgroFest 2024 will also be held during the durian season and the venue may be moved to the Melaka Tropical Fruit Farm in Sungai Udang to attract more visitors. - Bernama
