Kuala Lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme, launched in 2021, 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 stated that the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development and social well-being.
He noted that an additional 466 participants are expected to benefit from the programme this year. 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 receive training in modern techniques and technology relevant to their fields, which not only increases individual income but also generates employment opportunities within local communities.
Among the beneficiaries is Zamri Mat Hassan, 54, who cultivates watermelons in Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh. Since joining the programme in 2023, his watermelon yield has doubled on his 0.8-hectare plot, with demand increasing significantly. Customers now come from across Malaysia and even from Singapore.
Another participant, Amaran Ibrahim, 55, highlighted the importance of factors such as soil type, fertiliser, and proper irrigation and drainage systems in determining the quality of crops. He acknowledged that the programme has helped sustain his livelihood while expanding his agricultural knowledge.
P. Muhomed Ibrahim Muhomed Shariff, 64, from Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, shared that he had no prior experience in livestock farming before joining Hijrah Asnaf. The programme enabled him to transition from solely growing vegetables to cultivating shrimp seedlings, significantly improving his income and standard of living.