Budget 2027: KPKM Allocation Increases To RM6.92 Bln To Strengthen National Food Security
PUTRAJAYA, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) received an allocation of RM6.92 billion through Budget 2027, an increase of RM50.31 million compared to RM6.87 billion previously, to strengthen the country's food security and enhance the welfare of farmers, breeders and fishermen.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, said that out of the total amount, RM4.85 billion will be allocated for operating expenses while RM2.07 billion will be for development expenses.
He said the increase in allocation reflects the government's commitment to strengthening the agri-food sector, boosting local food production and reducing the country's dependence on imports.
Budget 2027 emphasises efforts to increase local food production, strengthen the resilience of the agri-food sector, and ensure the welfare of farmers, breeders, and fishermen.
"This focus is important to ensure that the country's food supply remains sufficient, safe, high-quality and affordable, while also reducing dependence on imports and protecting the interests of the people in facing economic challenges and climate change," he said in a statement here today.
Mohamad said the allocation will be utilised to continue various strategic initiatives in line with the National Agro-Food Policy 2021-2030 (DAN 2.0) and the National Food Security Policy 2030 (DKMN 2030).
He said one of the main focuses is the allocation of RM2.62 billion to continue providing subsidies and incentives to farmers, who will receive assistance of around RM4,300, including seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, plowing wages and rice price subsidies.
He said the Padi Harvesting Incentive (IPP) rate was also increased from RM50 to RM100 per hectare (ha) per season, while the Plowing Incentive for Farmers (IPKP) of RM300 per ha per season was maintained and extended to padi farmers in Sabah and Sarawak.
Mohamad said that RM300 million has been allocated to enhance cooperation between the federal government and the state governments through the National Agro-Food Empowerment Programme (PPAN) to increase food production at the community level.
In addition, he said that RM1 billion in financing is provided through Agrobank, Bank Rakyat, and the Malaysian Cooperative Commission to support the increase in agricultural yields, including the use of modern technology.
In an effort to ease the cost of living for the people, especially the B40 and M40 communities, Mohamad said that 5,000 Agro MADANI Sales will continue, offering fresh agricultural products such as fish, chicken, vegetables, and fruits at prices up to 30 per cent cheaper.
He said the use of the Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA) has also been expanded to 216 farmers' markets or Tamu under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) nationwide.
For the fisheries sector, Mohamad said the government is providing RM178 million, including incentives for catch and a Cost of Living Allowance of up to RM300 per month for fishermen, in addition to maintaining the subsidised diesel price of RM1.65 per litre for those eligible.
In addition, he said that RM30 million has also been allocated to increase the number of special boat licence holders from 17,000 to 20,000 fishermen through a regularisation process.
Mohamad also said the ministry is committed to ensuring that every allocation and initiative announced is implemented efficiently, effectively, and based on good governance so that the benefits can be enjoyed by the target groups.
"I am confident that Budget 2027 will continue to be a catalyst for efforts to strengthen the country's food security and develop a more modern, sustainable and competitive agri-food sector, in line with the aspirations of the MADANI government and the goals of DAN 2.0 and DKMN 2030," he added.
-- BERNAMA