SHAH ALAM, June 28: The State Government has been urged to emphasise on rural development to increase the income of villagers as well as to set a value of ownership in each programme introduced.
This was recommended by Duli Yang Maha Mulia (His Royal Highness) the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in his address in conjunction with the Opening Ceremony of the First Term of the 13th Selangor State Assembly here today.
He said that rural development must be based on the concept if integrated and sustainable development with the involvement of government agencies to oversee the implementation of the project and to help develop the necessary financial assistance.
He also advised the State Government to pave the way for promoting progress in districts or villages by using the assets and manpower of the people living in the localities.
“This means that when development expends to rural districts, youths no longer need to find jobs in the city.
“This will relieve the pressure on the municipality, the cost of living, transportation systems and other urban infrastructure,” he said.
He said that focus should be given to efforts to improve the quality and productivity of agriculture, including food crops, fisheries and livestock.
He said it is believed that with this increase in productivity, agricultural production will altogether lead to lower prices.
“We hope that the agricultural sector will continue to be equipped with modern agricultural concepts despite the fact that this sector accounts for only one point two (1.2%) in 2012 and is the smallest contributor to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“However, I believe that the function and role of the agricultural sector in Selangor is very important as a provider of food and raw materials for agro-based industries and a source of income for farmers, especially in rural areas,” he said.
