KUALA LUMPUR – Explain the improvements made to the country’s agricultural policies, demanded former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Dr Mahathir (Ind-Langkawi) in his debate session today said the government is seen to only be providing additional allocations for the agricultural industry without detailing specific efforts to develop farmers and fishermen.
“I see that this Budget does not target the improvement of existing agricultural policies.
“All there is is an additional allocation without specific efforts to promote modern agricultural methods to smallholders.”
Dr Mahathir suggested that the government combine smallholdings to accommodate more extensive crops, such as rubber and oil palm.
The farms, he said, need to be planted with vegetables and fruits to enable farmers to continue making a profit when commodity prices fall or replanting projects are carried out.
“Apart from the combination of land, modern technology is also used. Now, we import RM60 billion vegetables every year when we can afford to grow our own.
“Maybe the Perikatan Nasional government has already considered this proposal; if so, just set aside my opinion.”
He said traditional fishermen also need changes as the fish farming industry is being developed in Langkawi.
He added that the government should not only provide additional allowances to fishermen but help them to continue to develop themselves.
“It is difficult for me to support the Budget without an explanation on how their poverty can be overcome,” he said. – The Vibes, December 2, 2020
