Bandar tenggara: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) aims to reduce the country's dependence on imported food by 50 per cent by 2050, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated. The Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister highlighted this target to address the country's significant food import costs, currently amounting to approximately RM80 billion annually.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid outlined a long-term phased plan for the next three decades to achieve this ambitious goal. He detailed that the initiative intends to reduce food imports by at least 15 per cent by 2030, over 30 per cent by 2040, and ultimately reaching a 50 per cent reduction by 2050. These plans were shared during his speech at the RISDA Agro Majestic programme in Bandar Tenggara.

The implementation strategy, as explained by Ahmad Zahid, will primarily focus on optimizing idle and underutilized land owned by KKDW agencies. These lands are slated to be transformed into Agro MADANI projects and livestock farming areas to boost domestic food security. This effort will involve collaboration between RISDA, FELCRA, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), and state agricultural agencies.

This nationwide food security initiative, launched three years ago, has already shown positive results, particularly in stabilizing market prices for broiler chicken and layer farming projects, according to Ahmad Zahid. He emphasized that the involvement of KKDW agencies is not meant to compete with existing commercial livestock farmers but to ensure an adequate supply of food products. This strategy aims to stabilize supply and enable consumers to purchase chicken and eggs at reasonable prices.