By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 27: The local corn cultivation project, introduced to ease the burden on small and medium livestock farmers facing high feed costs, has the potential to be expanded to Sabah and Sarawak.
According to a TVS report, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the initiative began in Perlis, covering 2,000 hectares, and involves 15 companies at the initial stage.
“At the early stage, the government will provide support, as this project requires assistance, including financial and logistical support. We are working towards expanding this to Sabah and Sarawak because land availability there is still extensive.
“The government hopes both states can participate in this local corn cultivation project. We believe this effort can help reduce feed prices for livestock,” he said during the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Monday (Jan 26).
Mohamad Sabu, also known as Mat Sabu, was responding to a supplementary question from Betong Member of Parliament Dato Richard Rapu (GPS–Betong) on measures to prevent small and medium livestock farmers from continuing to bear the burden of imported feed prices.
He added that other measures under consideration include the use of palm kernel meal derived from local industry waste and insect protein as alternative livestock feed sources.
Earlier, in response to Richard’s initial question, he said the government is implementing various initiatives to help small and medium farmers improve productivity and transition to closed housing systems.
He explained that these initiatives include encouraging the use of modern technology to boost efficiency.
“Modern technology, such as automation in large-scale feeding, can enhance management efficiency, ensure optimal nutrition, and improve livestock growth and health,” he said. — DayakDaily
