By Norrasyidah Arshad
AMPANG JAYA, Dec 26 — Nearly RM5 million has been allocated to the state’s agricultural sector this year, with a significant portion injected into modern and high-value farming projects.
State executive councillor for agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim said the aid, comprising RM2.75 million from the state administration and RM2.2 million from the federal government, has supported the sector’s growth and contributed to the gross domestic product.
“Every year, we allocate funds to assist farmers and fishermen, including providing equipment. However, this year, we’ve added special assistance for the cultivation of Selangor Melon (MeloSel) due to its success and high demand.
“This support encourages farmers to engage in high-value agriculture, which also positively impacts their income,” he said during the Urban Farming and Community Garden Programme assistance handover ceremony today.
At the event, Izham handed over farming equipment worth RM450,000, including contributions to support the MeloSel cultivation project for local authorities.
Elaborating, the Pandan Indah assemblyman said the cultivation of melons in Ampang and Sabak Bernam has led to high demand and is among the state’s key exports.
“In Pandan (Ampang), four planting cycles have been harvested, producing high-quality yields. This site will be developed as a training centre to guide and educate more community garden participants,” he said.
Last year, the state government allocated RM200,000 to expand the MeloSel greenhouse-cultivation programme, with an estimated harvest of up to 4,000 melons per cycle.
