PARIT BUNTAR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak launched the National Agrofood Policy today, which covers a period of 10 years up to 2020.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (right) handing over a mock key for farm machinery to National Farmers Association chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman (left) at the event. Looking on is Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar. - Pix by Bernama

The policy, which spells out eight key elements to spur and sustain the country's agrofood sector, was approved by the cabinet on Sept 28.

It is a continuation of the Third National Agriculture Policy, which expired in 2010, and serves as a reference for the departments and agencies involved in the country's agriculture development.

Among the key thrusts of the policy are high-value agriculture development, sustainable agriculture development, private sector investment to modernise the sector and knowledgeable and informed human capital.

The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry has lined up specific strategies to achieve the policy's objectives, covering agrofood industry
development which focuses on the padi and rice industry, fisheries, livestock, vegetables and fruits, agro-based industry and agro-tourism.

The policy aims at ensuring sufficient food supply, making the agrofood as a viable and sustainable industry, and increasing the income of agriculture entrepreneurs.

Najib launched the policy in conjunction with the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day, here.

Speaking at the launch, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar said the government was committed to helping farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen, stressing that they played an important role in the country's development.

This includes providing them with incentives such as the RM200 monthly allowance for fishermen and RM300 million in special allocation to implement housing projects for them.

Loan facilities are also given to livestock breeders through Agro Bank with an allocation of RM55 million, allowing them to make a loan of up to RM300,000 without a guarantor.

Meanwhile, integrated cattle farm operator Berahim Bedu of Felda Sebertak, Bera, Pahang was named most successful farmer in the men's category while frozen food and raya cookies operator Misripah Marjan of Tanjung Sepat, Batu Laut,

Selangor was the winner in the women's category. - Bernama