FARMERS should be planting cash crops and modernising their farming methods to enjoy a steady income, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, today.

He advised oil palm smallholders to also cultivate cash crops in addition to the oil palms so that they are assured of a regular income even when the price of palm oil declines.

Minimal land is required for such diversification, he added.

Dr Mahathir said this during a visit to three Selangor farms, Taman Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan (TKPM) in Klang, Taman Agro-Fertigasi in Kajang, and TKPM Bukit Changgang (Orchids) in Banting.

The prime minister expressed surprise and admiration for the the organised farming methods employed by the young farmers in the modern plantations.

“This is how we can continue to depend on farming for our livelihoods,” he said. 

“If we only plant oil palms, we will cry when the price falls. But if we plant an additional ‘cash crop’ — crops that can provide daily returns, then we won’t be trapped by the prices of palm oil and rubber.”
 
Dr Mahathir advised farmers to not depend only on a single crop, saying there are many others that are in regular demand.

He also urged farmer to reduce their dependence on workers, especially foreign workers.

“If you can, do the work youself. We must show passion for our work, then we will be successful.”

He urged farmers to change their ways so that they can be successful as a modern farmer. – February 3, 2019.