Ahmad Shabery (second right), together with (from right) Entri, Mong and Nogeh looking at samples of fruits on display during the ministry’s ‘Customer’s Day’.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry is emphasising the need to maintain a close-knit relation with the farming community towards spurring the sector’s growth.

Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said it was vital for his ministry to uphold a strong working relationship with farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen as well as agro-preneurs to ensure that the nation would have sufficient raw food sources.

“We regard such relation as a two-way street because we need each other. The ministry will provide various services, incentives and advice with regard to agriculture, livestock farming and fishing as well as agro-based industry.

“In return, we want these entrepreneurs to give back exceptional returns and become among the main contributors to the national gross income,” he said after officiating at the ministry’s ‘Customer’s Day 2015 – Sarawak Zone’ at Summer Mall here yesterday.

Ahmad Shabery was accompanied by his deputy Anthony Nogeh Gumbek to the event, where state assistant ministers Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran (Agriculture–Farmer’s Organisation) and Datuk Mong Dagang (Agriculture–Research and Marketing), as well as Samarahan Walikota Datuk Peter Minos were also present.

Ahmad Shabery added that his ministry truly understood the condition and challenges faced by the farming community. As such, he said ‘Customer’s Day’ such as this one was a crucial outreach programme for this target group.

“We use this programme to listen to suggestions and ideas, whilst looking into the complaints and problems faced by the agriculture community.

“From here, we will be able to build new frameworks and policies in meeting the needs of the people.”

The minister said during such programmes, the community would be able to meet representatives from agencies such as the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), Malaysia Fisheries Development Board (LKIM), Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) and even financial institutions such as Agrobank and National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional).

Apart from this, he pointed out that the ministry’s ‘Customer’s Day’ would also showcased various local products for sale.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Shabery advised all agencies and departments under the purview of his ministry to always go to the ground and meet up with their target group. This, he said, would ensure that the well-being and welfare of members of this community would be taken care of and at the same time, ensure all government outreach programmes were being implemented effectively.

“It is our hope that all agriculture development projects would only be implemented after we listen to suggestions and issues brought up by the agriculture community, as well as local community leaders and non-governmental organisations that are involved in helping the people.

“It is very important for us to understand the people’s needs. Without the support of our target group, projects would not be successful.”

Other participating agencies at yesterday’s event included the state Agriculture Department, state Fisheries Department, Malaysia Pineapple Industry Board, National Farmers Organisaton (Nafas) and National Fishermen Association (Nekmat).