By: Zaki Salleh
SUNGAI SIPUT – The state government has heeded the decrees of Perak’s Sultan, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, to ensure that the aspect of food security is given due attention.
In light of this, the state government has redoubled its efforts and initiatives to strengthen food security as outlined in the Perak Prosperous 2030 plan.
The Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, stated that this objective could be achieved through collaborations with agencies and departments in the agricultural sector to boost production.
“Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), for the agricultural sector, the State Self-Sufficiency Ratio (SSR) in Perak for the year 2022 for 13 selected crops was sufficient, meeting domestic demands with an SSR value exceeding 100 per cent.
These crops include coconut, sweet corn, starfruit, papaya, guava, bananas, spinach, okra, long beans, mustard greens, eggplant, cucumber, and sweet potatoes.
“However, continuous efforts are being made for the 16 crops that have not reached the SSR, including rice, jackfruit, durian, mango, mangosteen, rambutan, chilli, lettuce, lime/kaffir lime, cassava, watermelon, tomatoes, pineapples, langsat, cabbage, and ginger,” he said.
He made these remarks during his speech at the inauguration of the Perak Agrofest 2023 event at the Infoternak Sg. Siput Farm.
The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, graced the event with his presence.
According to Saarani, in the fisheries sector, Perak leads the way in Malaysia, achieving the highest production at approximately 98.31 per cent last year.
He also emphasized that Perak’s focus remains on strengthening food security through research and development (R&D) by establishing the Food Security Academy.
“This is a joint effort between the Perak State Agricultural Development Corporation (Perak SADC) and Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (USAS) to establish the Food Security Academy.
“The Food Security Academy stands as a key hallmark of the Perak Prosperous 2030 development plan,” he stated.
It will explore new aspects of food security that require innovation and creativity while advancing scientific research.
Under the theme “Sustainable Agro, Prosperous Perak,” Perak Agrofest 2023, which spans three days, represents the state government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food security.
