Agri Minister touts collaboration benefits

AGRICULTURE MINISTER ZULIKAR MUSTAPHA WANTS FOOD PRODUCERS
COLLABORATE to help push agricultural development in local communities.
“When the groups are consolidated and they come as one body, then stronger representation can
be made. I will work along with you to ensure these things that you are requesting get done. We
may not be able to do everything at once, but we will do works to develop agriculture in the
villages,” Minister Mustapha assured.
Zulfikar is elated the nation’s farmers appreciate the critical role of agriculture in national
development.
“I’m happy that you recognise the importance of developing agriculture and that you are willing
to work with the Government to develop the sector in your community,” he said.
“I am prepared to work with you and give you the kind of help to get things going. Right now,
the most important thing to do is the drainage system in the community,” the Minister promised.
He promised to make available the expertise of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority
(NDIA) to help rehabilitate the drainage and irrigation (D&I) systems in the various village.
“Our engineer will be coming back tomorrow to do a comprehensive report with all the works
that are needed. We will do the side-line trenches and all the drains in the community. Once I
have that report, I will give instructions for the works to commence. I am making that
commitment. If we have to send in a machine or two to do the work or get a contractor, we will
do it.,” he declared.
The scheme will boost job creation, the minister said.
“When the major works are completed, we will be employing community groups to do the
maintenance works through the CDCs. My Ministry will work with you to develop your
agricultural production,” he pointed out.
“As Minister of Agriculture, I will not discriminate. I’m willing to go to every agricultural
community to enhance production,” Mustapha said.