MAFI allocated a fund of RM100 million under the Agro Family Resurrection Fund to help ease the burden of target groups affected by the recent floods that hit the country.
According to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI), Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, “MAFI has taken proactive measures by allocating 30% of the allocation of several MAFI-prepared programmes and initiatives for 2022 to assist entrepreneurs in the agro-food sector affected by the floods.
“The total amount allocated under some of these programs and initiatives is RM100 million where we will give priority to entrepreneurs and target groups across all affected agro-food sub-sectors.
Among the programs under this fund include Young Agropreneur Grant, Agrotourism Grant, Agro-Food Disaster Fund, Soft Loan Fund under Agrobank, Matching Grant for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), MAFI Business Concern Initiative, Subsidy Program Agricultural Fertilizer, Contract Farm Program, and Farmer Sustenance Program.”
This proactive measure is a catalyst for the agro-food sector’s target group’s business recovery, as well as ensuring the survival of their respective affected enterprises and strengthening the agro-food value chain at all levels.
Meanwhile, according to Dr Ronald, the agro-food sector will benefit from the RM1.4 billion Malaysian Family Flood Assistance announced by the Prime Minister, in which the MAFI will coordinate loss data to ensure flood victims in the sector receive the assistance they deserve.
“Overall, based on the reports we have received so far, the total estimated loss is more than RM63 million involving more than 4,700 operators for all agro-food sub-sectors including fisheries, aquaculture, livestock, crops, and so on,” said Ronald.
According to records, the floods impacted 47 aquaculture farmers in Negeri Sembilan, resulting in a loss of RM 13.5 million in fish deaths, equipment damage, livestock system maintenance costs, food, seeds, and equipment inputs.
Pahang had the highest number of 135 aquaculture farmers, resulting in a loss of approximately RM680,000.
The floods affected a total of 243 aquaculture farmers from all over the country, resulting in a loss of RM 18.8 million.
MAFI will provide livestock inputs such as fish seeds, fish feed, and livestock equipment to affected aquaculture operators through the Department of Food and Agriculture (DOF) at predetermined rates.
MAFI hopes that the Agro Family Revival Fund and the initiatives implemented can help farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and breeders as well as agro-food entrepreneurs who are affected in continuing the viability of their respective enterprises as well as provide a sustainable source of income.
