KUALA LUMPUR – Budget 2025 has allocated RM300 million to support food production by state governments, double the amount for this year.
This includes increasing onion production in Perak, rearing of red tilapia fish in Pahang and rice yields in Negri Sembilan, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling Budget 2025 today.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said Putrajaya will work with private companies to put to good use over 3,500 hectares of wasteland to implement agricultural projects such as rearing organic chicken and livestock, and growing edible crops.
To promote agriculture among entrepreneurs, Agrobank will provide loans of RM200 million for ventures that support food security, he added.
The government continues to support farmers and livestock breeders with a RM27 million allocation for various incentives, he said.
Subsidies and incentives for rice farmers and fishermen will also see an increase in this budget, from RM2.6 billion in the previous budget to RM2.78 billion.
Rice production will also receive support with a pilot project to obtain fertilisers, including organic fertilisers, through open tender.
“RM65 million will also be provided to develop granaries and irrigation systems and to expand rice estates in Sabah and Sarawak.” – October 18, 2024