Selangor Journal: Selangor turns to seed breeding to improve food security

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KLANG, Jan 9 — The state government is directing its efforts towards improving seed breeding, a crucial process in developing superior crops and plants, as part of Selangor’s broader strategy to bolster food security.

State executive councillor for agriculture Izham Hashim said the administration also aims to support farmers in cultivating higher-quality poultry and livestock, particularly chickens and cattle.

“We are actively working towards increasing our yield, especially in paddy cultivation and other livestock sectors, with the ultimate goal of enhancing food security in the state.

“This includes establishing a food stockpile warehouse with a RM40 million budget, to be constructed on a five-hectare parcel of land,” he said during a press conference in Kampung Sungai Sireh today.

Izham was attending a programme held in collaboration with the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority to distribute RM275,000 in aid to 40 fishermen in five regions, namely Sepang, Kuala Selangor, Kuala Langat, Port Klang, and Sungai Besar.

Noting Selangor’s significant contribution to the fish supply nationwide, the councillor said the state government is planning to provide better aid to local fishermen, including boating supplies, to support improved sea catches.

Separately, the state’s Jualan Ehsan Rahmah, which offers basic goods at discounted prices, will be coordinated so it can be held alongside the Federal government’s Jualan Agro Madani to enhance both initiatives and for them to reach their intended target.

In the 2024 Selangor Budget, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari announced a RM50 million allocation to improve food security in the state.

Of this, RM40 million will be apportioned to a collaborative initiative with the Selangor Agricultural Corporation (PKPS) to ensure a better food stockpile.

Another RM10 million will be dedicated to crop clustering projects and the development of downstream products within the state.

He said this initiative seeks to boost local agriculture, support farmers, and generate additional long-term income.