KUALA SELANGOR, Sept 6 — Selangor continues to expand its high-value agriculture sector through various new initiatives involving crops, livestock, and aquaculture.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato' Izham Hashim said that in addition to crops like ginger, melon, vanilla, pineapple, jackfruit, and mushrooms, the state government is also maintaining its focus on strategic staple crops like rice and maize.
“This year, we have already started many initiatives, but we must remember that in Selangor, our land is limited. So, we are focusing more on breeding and seed production.
“For example, this year in Hulu Selangor, we have begun ginger seed production, while the Matag coconut seed nursery in Sungai Tawar (Sabak Bernam) has been running for over a year,” he told the press during the presentation ceremony of the Malaysia Book of Records' certificate of recognition to the Selangor Fruit Valley as the nation's largest tropical fruit farm and the largest agro-tourism centre today.
Izham added that beyond high-value crops, Selangor is also focusing on aquaculture and livestock, like breeding Black Belly Barbados goats in Olak Lempit, as well as tiger prawn and white prawn breeding in Sungai Tawar (Sabak Bernam).
“All of these are progressing well, and this year we have secured a sizeable allocation to expand these farms. Next year, we will introduce the J33 jackfruit, which is high in value.
"Pineapple cultivation has long been underway, and vanilla is also included on the list of high-value agriculture,” he said.
Izham noted that strategic staple crops like rice and maize will continue to be prioritised to maintain a stable food supply.
“We will carry on. In Sabak Bernam, we have identified two blocks for paddy yield improvement. In addition, maize cultivation has expanded and now covers 300 acres,” he said.
Previously, the councillor said that over RM20 million had been allocated by the state government to assist farmers actively involved in agriculture, livestock, and agro-based industries.
