Bagan Datuk:Perak Perak has achieved a significant milestone in its agricultural sector, recording 10,590 metric tonnes of cockle production from January to October this year. This achievement underscores the state's pivotal role in satisfying domestic market demands, as highlighted by Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun, the chairman of the state Rural Development, Trade, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak continues to be a major hub for cockle production in Malaysia. The state's efforts align with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry's agenda and the Perak Sejahtera 2030 initiative. The Perak State Cockle Farming Programme, located in Bagan Datuk, has been allocated RM3.6 million in funding from both federal and state governments for a two-year pilot phase.

The programme aims to empower the coastal community's economy and enhance food security by increasing Perak's food supply through higher cockle production. It encompasses four coastal districts in Perak Manjung, Kerian, Hilir Perak, and Larut, Matang and Selama. In Bagan Datuk, 24 pilot cockle farming plots covering 21 hectares are currently operational.

During a recent event, Mohd Zolkafly mentioned that an equipment assistance package worth nearly RM800,000 has been distributed to programme participants to aid the pilot farm operations. This assistance includes technical equipment such as steel cages for cockle dredging, high-quality cockle seeds, and marine navigation GPS devices to streamline cockle farming.

He further noted that the state's cockle production is sufficient to meet the domestic demand, despite interest from international markets like Thailand. The focus remains on supplying the people of Perak, especially since cockle prices have been steadily rising.