Ismail Sabri calls on PPK to increase food production

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob called on Area Farmers Organisations (PPK) to increase agro-based food production to accommodate growing local demand. "Malaysia's annual food import exceeds RM13 billion, so this is a serious matter. I'm confident that PPK can play a role in increasing quality food production, help reduce imports and at the same time increase their income," he said after opening the Bera PPK annual general meeting here today. Ismail Sabri, who is Bera member of parliament, said at present PPK contributed only 10 percent of the nation's food supply. He said that the government is targeting at least 50 percent of supply from PPK in five years time. The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and Farmers' Organisation Authority (FOA) were also prepared to assist in marketing the products supplied, he added.