November 13, 2013

"We can no longer use the old ways, methodologies, be shackled by static thinking apart from using applications that have not changed. This will lull us into a comfort zone which will actually test our resilience and make us go backwards," said Malaysia's prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the launch of the national-level Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen's Day celebration.

Najib said that the capability of carrying out innovations was not just the exclusive right of scientists but of farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen who have potential of becoming more progressive in the field. This, in turn, would mean the production of cheaper goods through the optimum use of resources other than providing better products and services.

The government had provided an allocation of US$748 million in subsidy for fertilisers and seeds and numerous incentives for farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen in the country, according to Najib. He called for full utilisation of such support in order to  boost income and standard of living.

Apart from the 100 fresh fruit stalls opened nationwide to be handled by FAMA and the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority, Najib said that 60 farmers markets, 50 fish markets and 50 agriculture caravans would be created, which traders could use to directly sell their goods.