Agrobank's Hijrah Asnaf Programme Helps B40 Group Improve Livelihoods

KOTA BHARU, March 6 (Bernama) -- As part of efforts to eradicate poverty, Agrobank, through its Hijrah Asnaf programme, is providing opportunities for the asnaf and B40 groups to enhance their standard of living by venturing into agro-based industries and downstream agriculture and aquaculture products.  

Launched in 2021, the programme has so far benefited 457 participants nationwide, including in Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and Sabah.  

Agrobank president and chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development and social well-being.  

“This year, an additional 466 participants are expected to benefit from the programme. Allocations are determined based on the number of participants, land area, project duration and focus areas such as crops, livestock, aquaculture and downstream products.  

“Participants are also trained in modern techniques and technology relevant to their respective fields. Beyond increasing individual income, the programme helps generate employment opportunities within local communities,” he said.  

Among the beneficiaries is Zamri Mat Hassan, 54, who cultivates watermelons in Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh. He joined the programme in 2023 and received training through the Agrobank Centre of Excellence (ACE) and government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture.  

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“Previously, my watermelon yield was around 10,000 kilogrammes per season. Since joining Hijrah Asnaf, it has doubled to 20,000 kilogrammes on my 0.8-hectare plot.  

“Demand has also surged, and I can barely keep up. My customers now come from across the country, including Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Selangor, as well as Singapore,” he told Bernama in Kampung Haji Omar, Semerak, Pasir Puteh, recently.  

Another participant, Amaran Ibrahim, 55, said factors such as soil type, fertiliser, and proper irrigation and drainage systems are crucial in determining the sweetness of watermelons.  

“This programme has helped sustain my livelihood while also expanding my knowledge in agriculture,” he said.  

Meanwhile, P. Muhomed Ibrahim Muhomed Shariff, 64, who cultivates shrimp seedlings in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, said he had no prior experience in livestock farming before joining Hijrah Asnaf.  

Previously, he relied solely on growing vegetables to make ends meet.  

His fortunes changed after joining the programme, enabling him to raise 40,000 to 50,000 shrimp seedlings within three months.  

“My regular customers now come from Kuala Lumpur and Perak. I am grateful to Agrobank for helping me generate income and improve my standard of living,” he said.  

-- BERNAMA