ID :
70566
Wed, 07/15/2009 - 19:38
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/70566
The shortlink copeid
AGROPOLITAN PROJECTS TO BOOST DEVELOPMENT IN REMOTE AREAS
By Mohd Shukri Ishak
KUALA LIPIS (Malaysia), July 15 (Bernama) -- The Agropolitan Project, under
the Mega Rural Development Programme, is a comprehensive programme to eradicate
hardcore poverty and speed up the development of backward and remote areas.
The project that shares many similarities with Federal Land Development
Authority (Felda)'s land schemes is another approach taken to reduce rural
poverty to 2.9 percent by 2010 and to help at least 10,000 heads of hardcore
poor family escape from hardcore poverty.
According to the Rural and Regional Development Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal,
the programme focuses on economic development, physical amenities and human
resource development.
"The areas given priority are rural areas located far away but with high
economic potential in agriculture, tourism and industries that can generate
development for the area," he said recently when met after his visit to the
Gahai Agropolitan project near here.
But for Mohd Shafie, what can really make the difference is the collective
determination and earnestness of the participants in ensuring the project's
success.
"The success of this agropolitan project does not solely depend on the
government. It needs the commitment and the strong will or the participants who
should portray a positive attitude and diligence to succeed," he added.
Those participating should get involved from the start until the harvest.
The Gahai Agropolitan Project is the second to be implemented after the
first one in Pulau Banggi in Sabah launched on August 11, 2007. The Gahai
Agropolitan was implemented on August 5, 2008.
According to Mohd Shafie, the project would be further expanded with the
target being 10,000 participants by the end of next year.
Several areas in Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak have been identified for
implementation before 2010 with Batang Lupar and Batang Sadong in Sarawak, Gana
in Sabah and Chemomoi in Pahang among those identified.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Rural and Regional Development
Ministry Abd Jabar Che Nai when met by Bernama's writer noted that the ministry
has allocated between RM300 million and RM400 million to ensure the success of
the agropolitan programme.
"The allocation could be higher depending on the situation, but for the
projects identified for implementation before 2010 we have allocated between
RM300 million and RM400 million," he said.
"As for the Gahai Agropolitan project covering an area of 222.58 hectares,
rubber plantation account for 202.34 hectares and pineapple 14.16 hectares with
50 settlers provided with houses to stay while another 30 were given shares
only," he said.
Each participant given a plantation share of 2.259 hectares and commercial
farm share of 0.28 hectares.
The rubber trees will be ready to be tapped in four years time from November
2011. In the meantime, the participants can help to fertlize and upkeep the
rubber plantation and earn between RM400-RM700 monthly from the pineapple farm.
"Once they start tapping rubber, they can earn between RM1,000 and RM2,500
per month and they can further supplement their income from the pineapple farm
which will bring them an additional sum between RM400 and RM700 a month," he
said.
Meanwhile, several participants exuded great enthusiasm and commitment in
ensuring the success of the programme.
As for them, the project is the light at the end of the tunnel that will
guarantee their children's future.
The chairman of the Gahai Agropolitan settlement Yusini Amir Mat Amin, 40,
noted that through the programme they would not only be enjoying a steady income
but also a roof over their head, a share of land and a more comfortable life
unlike previously.
"As for us, houses complete with electricity and piped water is a great
blessing and for the settlers life here is far better. We are thankful to the
government for looking into the plight of people like us," he said.
Another of the participant, Mohd Nor Nordin, 47, a former army man is highly
optimistic of the promise of a better life in the remote areas.
"It is true that the settlement is yet to turn lively, its yet to transform
like the "Felda Bilut", but we are thankful of the basic amenities provided and
hopefully all the participants will do their best to ensure a better future," he
said.
Another of the participant, Sabri Sudin, 36, noted that the agropolitan
programme is a highly valuable programe for him and his family.
"If our lives here were previously difficult, it is now changing for the
better and God Willing when the rubber trees mature and are to be tapped, life
will be much better," he said. (US$1=RM3.58)
-- BERNAMA
KUALA LIPIS (Malaysia), July 15 (Bernama) -- The Agropolitan Project, under
the Mega Rural Development Programme, is a comprehensive programme to eradicate
hardcore poverty and speed up the development of backward and remote areas.
The project that shares many similarities with Federal Land Development
Authority (Felda)'s land schemes is another approach taken to reduce rural
poverty to 2.9 percent by 2010 and to help at least 10,000 heads of hardcore
poor family escape from hardcore poverty.
According to the Rural and Regional Development Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal,
the programme focuses on economic development, physical amenities and human
resource development.
"The areas given priority are rural areas located far away but with high
economic potential in agriculture, tourism and industries that can generate
development for the area," he said recently when met after his visit to the
Gahai Agropolitan project near here.
But for Mohd Shafie, what can really make the difference is the collective
determination and earnestness of the participants in ensuring the project's
success.
"The success of this agropolitan project does not solely depend on the
government. It needs the commitment and the strong will or the participants who
should portray a positive attitude and diligence to succeed," he added.
Those participating should get involved from the start until the harvest.
The Gahai Agropolitan Project is the second to be implemented after the
first one in Pulau Banggi in Sabah launched on August 11, 2007. The Gahai
Agropolitan was implemented on August 5, 2008.
According to Mohd Shafie, the project would be further expanded with the
target being 10,000 participants by the end of next year.
Several areas in Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak have been identified for
implementation before 2010 with Batang Lupar and Batang Sadong in Sarawak, Gana
in Sabah and Chemomoi in Pahang among those identified.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Rural and Regional Development
Ministry Abd Jabar Che Nai when met by Bernama's writer noted that the ministry
has allocated between RM300 million and RM400 million to ensure the success of
the agropolitan programme.
"The allocation could be higher depending on the situation, but for the
projects identified for implementation before 2010 we have allocated between
RM300 million and RM400 million," he said.
"As for the Gahai Agropolitan project covering an area of 222.58 hectares,
rubber plantation account for 202.34 hectares and pineapple 14.16 hectares with
50 settlers provided with houses to stay while another 30 were given shares
only," he said.
Each participant given a plantation share of 2.259 hectares and commercial
farm share of 0.28 hectares.
The rubber trees will be ready to be tapped in four years time from November
2011. In the meantime, the participants can help to fertlize and upkeep the
rubber plantation and earn between RM400-RM700 monthly from the pineapple farm.
"Once they start tapping rubber, they can earn between RM1,000 and RM2,500
per month and they can further supplement their income from the pineapple farm
which will bring them an additional sum between RM400 and RM700 a month," he
said.
Meanwhile, several participants exuded great enthusiasm and commitment in
ensuring the success of the programme.
As for them, the project is the light at the end of the tunnel that will
guarantee their children's future.
The chairman of the Gahai Agropolitan settlement Yusini Amir Mat Amin, 40,
noted that through the programme they would not only be enjoying a steady income
but also a roof over their head, a share of land and a more comfortable life
unlike previously.
"As for us, houses complete with electricity and piped water is a great
blessing and for the settlers life here is far better. We are thankful to the
government for looking into the plight of people like us," he said.
Another of the participant, Mohd Nor Nordin, 47, a former army man is highly
optimistic of the promise of a better life in the remote areas.
"It is true that the settlement is yet to turn lively, its yet to transform
like the "Felda Bilut", but we are thankful of the basic amenities provided and
hopefully all the participants will do their best to ensure a better future," he
said.
Another of the participant, Sabri Sudin, 36, noted that the agropolitan
programme is a highly valuable programe for him and his family.
"If our lives here were previously difficult, it is now changing for the
better and God Willing when the rubber trees mature and are to be tapped, life
will be much better," he said. (US$1=RM3.58)
-- BERNAMA
