By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, Dec 12 — The state government has allocated over RM20 million to support Selangor’s agricultural development agenda throughout this year, said state executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Izham Hashim.
He said that Selangor focuses on modern, high-value agriculture to reduce dependence on imported food, while helping farmers increase their income.
“Via the Selangor Agricultural Transformation Policy (PeTA), we are boosting productivity and the income of our farming community. This policy also encourages them to venture into high-value agriculture.
“This ensures that the progress of the food industry keeps pace with other industries, as agriculture is a strategic sector that cannot be neglected or sidelined. Therefore, improving its productivity is our main focus,” Izham said.
He was speaking to the press after the Agro Selangor app’s launch ceremony and the distribution of agricultural incentives, at the State Secretariat Building today.
During the event, Izham distributed RM2.5 million in agricultural incentives benefiting 401 recipients, including fishermen, farmers, associations, and individuals.
The assistance includes agricultural equipment, hydroponics, aquaponics, agro-based industries, livestock feed, boat engines, and fish aggregating devices.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam’s Kolej Melati principal Associate Prof Nor Aizam Adnan said the nearly RM23,000 incentive received for the Eco Melati garden project will be used to improve the project’s infrastructure.
“We are currently cultivating ‘pak choy’ vegetables using hydroponic methods. With this assistance, we plan to upgrade the structure and expand into aquaponics as well.
“We have been managing the hydroponic cultivation for over a year and a half, and this support will significantly help us advance further,” she said.
