LPP EYES EXPANSION OF PARTNERSHIP WITH PRISONS DEPT INTO LIVESTOCK SECTOR

TAIPING, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- The Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP) aims to broaden its collaboration with the Prisons Department, particularly in expanding projects beyond agriculture, such as livestock initiatives, to further bolster the country's food security efforts.

Its chairman Datuk Mahfuz Omar disclosed that the current partnership between both parties has already been successfully implemented in seven correctional and reintegration centres nationwide, focusing on vegetable cultivation.

“Currently, three onion cultivation projects are being carried out at the Kamunting Correctional Centre, the Jasin Correctional Centre, and the Sepang Reintegration Centre, while other centres are dedicated to vegetable farming,” he explained.

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Building on these achievements, Mahfuz expressed hopes for the continued expansion of this collaboration, with potential future involvement in the livestock sector.

He added that selecting correctional and reintegration centres for agricultural projects not only helps reduce labour costs but also provides an opportunity to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs among inmates or prospects.

“Unlike in other areas, entrepreneurs typically face high labour costs, as they need to hire workers. However, at this facility, we can save on labour expenses while simultaneously helping the participants gain a deeper understanding of agriculture,” said Mahfuz.

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In a related development, Mahfuz announced that RM78,000 has been allocated for the overall cost of planting BAW-2 shallots at the Kamunting Correctional Centre, covering an area of 1.2 hectares.

The onion planting process began last week with the support of 30 participants from the centre. The harvest is expected in March next year, with an estimated production of around four tonnes per season.

-- BERNAMA