The Minister of Agriculture in Sabah, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, revealed significant potential for developing corn farming in the state, aiming to reduce reliance on animal feed imports that cost approximately 800 million ringgit annually. Currently, the self-sufficiency rate in corn production is only 2%, indicating that Sabah produces just about 2% of its poultry and livestock feed needs while depending on imports to meet the rest.
The minister's statements came during his visit to the corn farming project in Musolog Village, where he noted that the project, implemented by EMAT Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Tanjung Kelamat Cooperative, has now entered its second planting season using a fully automated system. The harvest in the first season recorded about 5 tons per hectare, with the potential to reach 8-9 tons per hectare by following good agricultural practices.
Event Details
Jamawi explained that the current market price for corn is around 1,400 ringgit per ton, while production costs are estimated at about 800 ringgit per ton through the use of modern machinery. This makes corn farming a profitable option for farmers looking to enter this sector. To encourage more participants in this field, the ministry has allocated 5 million ringgit as incentives for farmers interested in growing corn.
The minister also added that the ministry has requested Korporasi Pembangunan Desa (KPD) to resume its commercial corn farming project in Terusan Sabi, which was initiated in 2024. He confirmed that there are about 2 million ringgit remaining from the allocations, with plans to develop approximately 300 hectares of suitable land for corn cultivation there.
Background & Context
Sabah is considered a resource-rich agricultural area and has been identified as a key region for corn production and other crops such as coffee. Studies have shown that using modern technology and machinery in agriculture can increase productivity and reduce costs, enhancing local farmers' competitiveness in the market.
Historically, Sabah has heavily relied on imports to meet its animal feed needs, negatively impacting the local economy. However, the current efforts to develop corn farming may contribute to achieving self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imports.
Impact & Consequences
If these initiatives succeed, they will improve the state's economic situation by reducing costs associated with imports and enhancing the productivity of local farmers. These steps could also contribute to creating new job opportunities in the agricultural sector, further boosting economic development in Sabah.
Moreover, enhancing corn farming could contribute to achieving food security in the region, as providing feed locally will reduce price volatility resulting from dependence on imports.
Regional Significance
Sabah's experience in developing corn farming serves as a model that Arab countries facing similar challenges in food security can benefit from. Many Arab nations rely on imports to meet their food needs, thus enhancing local production could positively impact the national economy.
In light of climatic and economic challenges, investing in local agriculture and developing modern technologies can contribute to achieving self-sufficiency and improving food security in the region.
In conclusion, Sabah's efforts to develop corn farming represent an important step towards achieving self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imports, which may contribute to improving the economic and social situation of the state.