Food security drive: DPM Zahid vows 50pc import reduction by 2050, phased cuts already stabilising chicken prices

KOTA TINGGI, July 4 — 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 said.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister said the target was set to address the country’s food import costs, which currently amount to about RM80 billion a year.

He said KKDW has drawn up a long-term plan to be implemented in phases over the next three decades.

“Currently, we import food worth about RM80 billion a year. Through this integrated effort, we can reduce food imports through the agencies under KKDW.

“We are targeting a reduction in food imports of at least 15 per cent by 2030, followed by more than 30 per cent by 2040, before achieving our target of a 50 per cent reduction by 2050,” he told reporters after officiating the Risda Agro Majestic programme in Bandar Tenggara today.

Commenting on the implementation strategy, Ahmad Zahid said the main focus would be on optimising idle and underutilised land owned by agencies under KKDW.

He said the land would be developed into Agro Madani projects and livestock farming areas to strengthen domestic food security, through close collaboration between Risda, Felcra, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and state agricultural agencies.

“This food security initiative was actually launched nationwide three years ago. KKDW’s intervention has proven to have a positive impact, with contributions from broiler chicken and layer farming projects helping to stabilise market prices,” he said.

However, Ahmad Zahid said the involvement of agencies under his ministry was not intended to compete with existing commercial livestock farmers.

“This is an effort to ensure adequate supply. When the supply of chicken and eggs is sufficient, consumers will be able to purchase them at reasonable prices,” he said. — Bernama