KOTA MARUDU: Kota Marudu has been designated as a one-stop centre for the production of fruit planting materials to serve farmers across northern Sabah.
State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the State Government had approved RM450,000 to activate and upgrade the centre.
He said the project was not new, as the district already had an existing fruit collection centre, but it required upgrading and the introduction of new planting materials.
“My ministry and its related agencies will work together as one team to assist farmers, rubber tappers, fish farmers and livestock breeders, with emphasis on providing the best services, facilities and mentorship to ensure the success and advancement of the state’s agricultural sector,” he said.
Jamawi said the presence of officers on the ground would boost farmers’ morale and encourage them in their efforts to earn a livelihood.
“We hope that within the next five years, the agriculture, livestock and food industry sectors will be in a much better position,” he said when launching the “Kitchen Garden Roadshow Programme” here on Tuesday.
On the programme, Jamawi said Kota Marudu was the eighth parliamentary constituency to host the initiative.
He said the Kitchen Garden initiative was aimed at reviving the spirit of agriculture among the people by providing support and guidance, with the new approach requiring communities to take the initiative before assistance is provided.
“District agriculture officers and ministry officials have been appointed and are always ready to help manage and monitor kitchen garden activities in their respective districts,” he said.
Jamawi said the initiative would eventually cover all 25 parliamentary constituencies in Sabah.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry I Datuk Ruslan Muharam, Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry II Datuk Hendrus Anding, and Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Maijol Mahap.
