By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LANGAT, Jan 21 – The Selangor state administration has achieved a significant milestone today by successfully harvesting its inaugural batch of corn grain, earmarked for use as chicken feed which is part of the state’s concerted efforts to enhance food security within its borders.
The 118 tonnes of corn grain was harvested from 42 acres of land at a plantation in South Kuala Langat.
In celebration of this accomplishment, state executive councillor for public infrastructure and agriculture, Izham Hashim, said Selangor is pioneering efforts in cultivating grain corn farming in the country with the initiative aimed at reducing the nation’s reliance on low-quality imported corn grain.
“Today is a significant success for us, despite initial scepticism about our ability to cultivate corn grain commercially for chicken feed. We have demonstrated our capability, successfully cultivating corn in wetlands, overcoming the challenges posed by the soft soil that hinders the use of heavy machinery.
“While our efforts may not seem to have made a huge impact, it has made a difference. We need to support a holistic approach to ensure Malaysia’s main protein source remains affordable and accessible,” said Izham at a press conference after visiting the corn plantation in Tanjung Sepat.
“This is just the beginning of the journey, with plans to expand and enhance crop growth. We anticipate increasing yields over each harvest cycle, aiming for up to 10 tonnes per acre.”
Addressing cost considerations, Izham said the initial cost of the harvest is over RM970 per tonne, compared with RM1,200 per tonne for imported corn grain, excluding logistic expenses.
Regarding the joint venture with Negeri Sembilan to cultivate a similar crop on over 300 acres of land in Gemas, Izham clarified that Negeri Sembilan chose not to continue with the initiative.
However, he expressed confidence that the success of this harvest will inspire other private entities or state governments to join the effort.
Meanwhile, Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) chief executive officer, Mohamad Khairil Mohamad Razi, disclosed that over 100 out of 300 acres of land have been cleared for the second harvest cycle, expected in March.
“The project, involving four phases, has cost approximately RM4 million, covering land clearing, infrastructure construction, seed planting, cultivation, and harvesting, with each harvest cycle lasting between 100 and 115 days,’’ he said.
Khairil also welcomed strategic partnerships to increase corn yield and enhance food security in the state, emphasising the board’s commitment to providing technical support for commercial joint ventures.
In terms of the corn, the seeds were from the Pacific seed 789, Hybrid seeds that are moisture resistant and suitable to be used in the wetlands of Kuala Langat.
