SEREMBAN, March 18 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan government is actively strengthening the livestock industry to increase the self-sufficiency rate (SSR) of local meat through collaboration with the Veterinary Services Department and related agencies, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
He said that, as such, several key initiatives have been drawn up, including the development of an integrated dairy farm in Gemas and large-scale livestock projects that are expected to increase meat supply by 15 per cent by 2030.
"Studies are also being conducted to expand the use of modern livestock technology, such as feedlot systems and data analytics, to maximise productivity while attracting more agro-entrepreneurs and young people to venture into livestock farming.
"I am confident that with special incentives, skills training, micro-financing schemes and support from related agencies in utilising the latest technology, the livestock industry will continue to grow and reduce our dependence on imported meat," he said.
He said this after officiating the Mantai Rayo 2025 programme here today, which was also attended by senior exco and state Agriculture, Food Security and Cost of Living Action Committee chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias.
Aminuddin added that the programme has been expanded to all 36 state constituencies from March 26 to 28, involving the supply of 30 to 50 cows or 3,600 kilogrammes (kg) of beef, with selling prices ranging from RM30 to RM36 per kg.
"This year's concept is somewhat different from previous years, as this year, state assemblymen will lead the programme's implementation in their respective seats and coordinate the sale of fresh beef so that residents can buy it at reasonable prices," he said.
He added that apart from raw meat, there would also be distribution of aid items for festive meal preparations such as rice, cooking oil and eggs to 100 underprivileged families in each state constituency.
In another development, Aminuddin, who is also the Port Dickson Member of Parliament, described Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent announcement to focus on 10 projects in Negeri Sembilan as highly anticipated, which will further accelerate the state's development.
Anwar, in a Facebook post two days ago, reportedly asked the Ministry of Economy to give special attention to 10 priority project proposals in Negeri Sembilan, particularly those related to flood mitigation.
-- BERNAMA
