BAGAN DATUK: The government is mulling to introduce incentive to farmers and breeders in recognition of their contribution to the nation.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he would ask the Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry to come out with the incentive in order to help the farmers and breeders in the country.
"We will try...we will find ways...it's not about money but appreciation to the efforts that they had done," he said.
Zahid said this in his speech at the launch of state-level Farmers' Carnival at Bagan Datuk Farmers Association here today.
Also present were Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman and state Perak Farmers Organisation director Datuk Nadzri Ismail.
"Fishermen' allowances had increased from RM200 to RM300, while padi farmers are also enjoying incentive given by the government amounting to RM600 (during the three months waiting period for harvesting).
"What is 'ole-ole' (rewards) to be given to the farmers? I asked you (referring to Tajuddin) face-to-face, will they get something?
"We will come out with special allocation for them (farmers and breeders) so that our country will continue to progress,"
On a separate note, Zahid who is also Bagan Datuk member of parliament said the government would establish the Coconut and Pineapple Institution in an effort to increase their production in the country.
"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has encouraged to establish this institution during Economic Council and Cabinet meeting recently as currently the country imports about 7.5 million coconuts annually and the costs were high.
"This institution will also help farmers from Bagan Datuk, west coast of Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak.
"At the same time, I want the Farmers' Organization Authority (LPP) to come out with a long-term plan to benefit some 100,000 coconut farmers here," he added.
With the establishment of Coconut and Pineapple Institution, Zahid said he hoped many efforts would be given to increase the production of Pandan coconut, Gading coconut and Matag coconut.
"As for this, the government had given allocation worth RM50 millions to the Area Farmer Organizations for replanting," he added.