THE Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) said it would start a farmer database to facilitate aid and incentive distribution.

This came after the approval of the Farmers Registration Enactment during a meeting between Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu and state agriculture executive councillors yesterday.

“Through this initiative, efforts to ascertain the actual number of farmers involved in the agricultural sector will facilitate the government’s efforts in distributing aid and incentives.

“It will also serve as a reference for all quarters, especially in planning the development of the agro-food sector, and prevent leakages in the provision of aid to farmers,” the ministry said in a statement today.

MAFS said 11 proposals were presented during the meeting, including one to establish dedicated organic farming areas.

The proposal was in line with the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030, the National Food Security Policy Action Plan 2021-2025 and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

“Organic farming is one of the activities given emphasis in addressing critical global challenges through environmentally friendly and safe practices,” it said. – Bernama, November 16, 2023.