SHAH ALAM, 4 Oct: Urban Agriculture (UA) can improve the socioeconomic levels of farmers and develop an area which can generate profit for citizens and the state.
The Assemblyman for Sekinchan, Ng Suee Lim said, the implementation of UA will provide a positive impact in meeting the increasing demands of food commodities.
“I welcome and fully support the State Government’s intention to explore UA since agriculture is a business that can generate the local economy.
“It is about time a holistic plan is drawn up for this purpose. With the existence of this plan, I am sure that the income of farmers will be optimised,” he told TVSelangor.
He was commenting on a statement by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, on UA at the 2014 Budget Dialogue session at Subang Jaya on 23 and 24 September.
Abdul Khalid stated his response on rapid urbanisation in Selangor, with an expectation that 85 percent of areas in Selangor will become cities by year 2020.
In relation to that, Suee Lim said, exposure on skills and advanced agricultural technology to farmers should be given priority so that all identified objectives can meet the target.
Previously, the Exco in charge of Local Government, Studies and Research, Datuk Teng Chang Khim said, the State Government will formulate an Urban Agriculture (UA) concept in a series of meetings involving the Chief Minister, Offices of Excos that are responsible, Local Authorities, the Offices of Assemblymen, and residents in the near future.
He said that the meeting is to find a formula for Urban Agriculture to be adopted and implemented holistically, effectively and efficiently.
“Urban Agriculture is a concept that is still in the pipeline. There is yet to be any concrete plans to be developed.
“Therefore, my department and the Chief Minister will hold meetings and discussions with Local Authorities, Assemblymen, Councillors, and residents of the relevant Local Authority areas to find the best formula so that when it is implemented, it will run smoothly,” he said.
