TENOM: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has directed the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (Maffi) and related agencies to focus on five key strategies to tackle challenges faced by farmers, breeders, and fishermen.
His speech, delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun at the Sabah State Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day 2026 celebration here, highlighted that these measures include boosting industry aid, upgrading basic infrastructure, expanding modern technology, improving market access, and building climate resilience.
Hajiji said direct ground engagement across all districts is essential to address rising input costs, transport bottlenecks, inadequate cold storage facilities, and limited financing facing local food producers.
He reiterated that the State Government aims to raise Sabah's rice self-sufficiency ratio from 22 per cent to 40 per cent by 2030, alongside expanding local output of vegetables, meat, eggs, and fish to reduce reliance on external supplies.
Under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 Development Roadmap for 2026–2030, the Chief Minister stressed that agriculture remains a key economic pillar requiring a shift from traditional practices to high-yield, modern, and market-oriented production systems.
