Azman Ujang( fourth left) shares a light moment with the delegates at Wisma Bernama. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Commercial maize cultivation on a large scale is expected to provide high returns and improve the socio-economic status of farmers, especially in Sarawak, said Daro Berhad Impiana Rumpun Cooperative Board member Ahmad Ebon.
To realise the matter, he said a special fund totalling RM5 million was sought from the government as an initial capital to initiate the large scale maize cultivation project on a commercial scale in the state.
“A working paper has been forwarded to Deputy Entrepreneur Development Minister Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli during a meeting with him yesterday (Sept 19) and he promised to bring the matter to the top (people).
“This fund is expected to be used as a starting capital that will be channelled to maize farmers and, at the same time, for carrying out workshops, courses and advisory services to them,” he said after leading a delegation to pay a visit on Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang at Wisma Bernama here yesterday.
Ahmad said maize is a short-term crop whereby the yield could be harvested in about 90 days and provide a lucrative return due to its high demand.
“Besides domestic market, we aim to penetrate the market in China as findings from a survey shows that there is high demand from that country,” he said, adding that the project would commence in the Igan and Tanjung Manis Parliamentary constituencies before being expanded throughout the state.
He said about 6,000 farmers in these two constituencies were keen to participate in the maize cultivation project.
The cooperative also planned to approach about 400 inactive cooperatives in Sarawak to collaborate on developing the project.
Malaysia imports maize worth RM3.9 billion annually while Sarawak imports RM217 million worth of maize per year.
Meanwhile, Azman in welcoming their visit to see for themselves how Bernama operates, said Bernama would strive to be a major news provider as well as a bridge to link Peninsular Malaysia with Sabah and Sarawak. — Bernama