Tajuddin tells farmers and petty traders to "look beyond borders"

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said that currently a majority of the farmers could only earn between RM1,500 to RM2,000 per month.

"Some even earn less than RM1,500. This can change if the farmers adopt modern technology in their farming which will increase their production," he told reporters after appearing on TV1 talk show "Selamat Pagi Malaysia" in conjunction with the launching of "Gelombang Tani 2017" at Angkasapuri, here today.

Tajuddin stressed that farmers and petty traders must also look beyond the traditional methods, improve their marketing strategy as well as branding in order to go further.

"If you can speak Arabic, explore the Arab market. If you can speak English, explore the European market. Go out and explore every possibility. Nobody will go anywhere just by sitting down and waiting for help," he said.

The Pasir Salak MP also said that not only farmers must change their understanding on farming, the community must also change their perception that being involved in agriculture would not give a bright future.

"Our youngsters nowadays have this kind of perception. They do not realise that farming also involves marketing strategy and effective communication to go far.

"If we do not want to be left behind, we have to change our mentality and attitude. The world out there is huge and the world population is increasing from time to time," he said.

The two-day "Gelombang Tani 2017" programme, starting Saturday (15 April) and to be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi aims to minimise the gap between the locals and the government.

Eleven federal agencies including the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authorities (FAMA) and the fisheries department will be conducting a public engagement with the locals from 18 villages in the constituency as well as to promote agro tourism in the area. The programme is expected to attract 20,000 visitors.