Musa (centre) launching the State-level Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day celebration.
SANDAKAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman yesterday encouraged Sabahan landowners to develop their land with agriculture as Sabah is blessed with fertile soil and good weather which could yield agricultural produce throughout the year.
“People should take the opportunity to increase their income by developing their land through farming such as growing paddy, oil palm or vegetables.
“I believe if Sabah had more agricultural production, it could not only meet the state’s demand but also be able to export to other states or countries,” he said at the launching of the State-level Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day celebration at the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, University Malaysia Sabah here yesterday.
Musa said the celebration was very important and brought significant meaning to all as it was held to appreciate and recognize the contributions of farmers, breeders and fishermen to the welfare and development of the state.
“The two-day celebration also reflects on our achievements and overcoming challenges in the sector, besides to explore the potential of various agricultural sectors and to raise awareness that agriculture is the source of wealth and can generate income among the people,” he said.
The agricultural sector continues to be a major concern of the government to be developed as an effective engine of economic growth, where it is one of 12 economic activities in the development agenda of the country’s economy under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).
“This effort will directly create various chains of agricultural activities that will benefit the people. Through the transformation program, the agricultural sector provides jobs and income for the rural population,” he added.
Meanwhile, Musa said agricultural transformation requires many experts in the workforce to explore the economic resources in a sustainable manner in order to generate optimal returns and significant contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Therefore, he said the celebration of the Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day at the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, UMS is timely and symbolic of the future of the agricultural industry of the country.
Also present at the launching ceremony were Deputy Chief Minister cum Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin; Rural Development Minister Datuk Radin Malleh and Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Zakaria Haji Mohd Edris.