KUCHING: State Farmers Organisation (PPNS) is expected to play an important role in the transformation of rural areas to boost the local economy.
According to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who was represented by Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, said new ideas must be generated in order to improve the economic status of the PPNS through a ‘feasible’ way.
He added that PPNS must seize the opportunities and initiatives provided by the government to improve its business.
“Apart from that, PPNS is also advised to work together with other relevant government agencies so that the development programmes planned can be effectively implemented and produced results faster.
“The government will surely consider business proposals that can be implemented and benefit PPNS,” said Dr Abdul Rahman who was reading Uggah’s text of speech when officiating the 33th PPNS Annual General Meeting at a hotel here, yesterday.
Uggah also encouraged PPNS to form a close relationship with government departments and agencies such as State Agriculture Department, SALCRA, FAMA, RISDA, Malaysia Cocoa Board, Malaysia Pepper Board, MPOB and many others.
“PPNS members should join the programme that would benefit them, provided by the government agencies as the majority of their target groups are the farmers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Uggah also said three acres of land in the shape of a pentagon in Kota Samarahan have been approved by the State Land and Survey Department for construction of PPNS complex.
He also said that the RM20 million announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg in during Pelandang Nite 2017 and the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development will ensure that the fund for the development of the new building will be push forward to ensure the complex can benefit the association.
“The new PPNS complex will be equipped with an ICT centre as the facility is important for members of the association,” he said.
