KUALA LUMPUR: The Agriculture and Food Security ministry is reviewing proposals for a new system to ensure transparent and fair distribution of subsidised fertilisers to farmers.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the new system will be based on an open competition process to improve efficiency and accountability.
"Under the proposed system, all fertiliser manufacturers, including the National Farmers Organisation (Nafas), will have an equal opportunity to participate in the open tender once it is officially announced," he said in a parliamentary written reply yesterday (Monday).
"The move is expected to enhance competition and improve access to affordable agricultural inputs for farmers across the country," he added.
Mohamad said this in response to Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran), who asked about the ministry's new approach to prevent monopoly in the supply of government-subsidised fertilisers.
Mohamad said at present the distribution of subsidised agricultural inputs to farmers is carried out by a single supplier appointed by the government, namely Nafas.
"The appointment was based on the organisation's extensive experience in the supply and distribution of subsidised agricultural inputs," he said.
Nafas also has a comprehensive supply network extending to the level of the respective areas of Farmers' Organisation, Mohamad said adding that it acts as the distributor for agricultural inputs.