Sarawak: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) is targeting RM6 million in total sales through the FAMA Fest programme organised by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) in six states. Its deputy minister, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, announced that the programme will take place in Sarawak, Johor, Perak, Selangor, Sabah, and will conclude in Negeri Sembilan in September.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Perak government remains a key contributor to the FAMA Fest series, which is now in its seventh year. Last year, the sales target for Perak was RM2 million, but due to an overwhelming response, it was surpassed with RM2.6 million in total sales. At the closing ceremony of FAMA Fest @Perak 2025, Arthur mentioned that this year’s sales target for FAMA Fest @Perak has been increased to RM3 million, with 210 booths operating over five days from May 29. FAMA Fest @Perak is typically the top contributor, accounting for 30 percent of total nationwide sales at last year’s event.
Arthur also highlighted that the programme is part of the government’s initiative to attract youths to the agriculture sector, which is predominantly composed of individuals aged 60 and above. Events like FAMA Fest provide more marketing opportunities for local producers and showcase agriculture and agri-food as industries with strong income potential. He stressed the importance of transitioning from conventional farming to modern methods that incorporate technology and innovation, creating a long value chain from production to operations and maintenance.
Furthermore, Arthur noted that KPKM is advocating for participation in agriculture-related Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses offered by the ministry. The ministry will cover all expenses for these programmes, including courses, accommodation, and daily allowances, as part of their effort to draw young people into agriculture.
In a related development on May 29, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, disclosed that 224,147 agricultural operators aged between 15 and 45 were recorded in the 2024 Agriculture Census, comprising 22.2 percent of the sector’s workforce.