The Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA) has allocated RM3.37 million this year to bolster the nation’s food security.
Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said from this amount, RM2.12 million was allocated for the Rural Farmers Agriculture Project (PPLB), while RM1.25 million was for padi field development projects.
She said PPLB projects involved 115 agropreneurs covering 71ha of agricultural land to help them increase their income, boost food production and reduce imports.
“Through PPLB, Keda assists participants by providing agricultural inputs, equipment and machinery. We also rehabilitate and upgrade idle land, and provide training, courses, promotions and other support,” she said after the KEDA monthly assembly here yesterday.
Also present were Keda deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Uzir Wan Sulaiman and general manager Ismasuhaimi Shariff.
As for padi field development projects, Rubiah said they involve the restoration of 50ha of land, along with the repair of 5km of roads, drainage systems, and 7.5km of agricultural roads.
She said there are 2,654ha of idle land in Kedah, with around 2,000ha, or 85 per cent, within KEDA’s jurisdiction.
“The goal of the idle land rehabilitation programme is to help farmers and padi growers optimise land use to support the national food security plan,” she said.
In addition to padi, participants grow pineapple, durian, chilli, and high-value fruits. According to records, from 2014 to last year, KEDA has developed 1,154ha of idle land and improved the economic situation for 1,772 participants.
Rubiah said KEDA is involved in ensuring the implementation of the National Food Security Policy 2021-2025 and the National Agro-Food Policy 2021-2030 in its operational areas.
