Selangor: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) in Malaysia has announced plans to adopt research and development strategies from Thailand and Japan to enable the year-round production of seasonal fruits. This initiative aligns with the Campaign to Eat More Local Fruits and Vegetables, as stated by KPKM Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) are spearheading efforts to develop new seeds for this purpose. A recent achievement includes the development of a MARDI durian in Kuala Kangsar. The minister highlighted these advancements during his speech at the closing of the 4-day FAMA Fest 2025 @ Selangor.

Mohamad emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting local fruits by mandating their presence at official functions, reflecting support for local farmers and their produce. He shared insights from his visits to Thailand and Japan, where local fruits and vegetables are integral to meals served at official functions.

Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli announced that the FAMA Fest surpassed its sales target, achieving over RM800,000 with participation from 50 local entrepreneurs and attracting over 40,000 visitors. Since its inception in 2017, FAMA Fest has significantly contributed to the economic growth of agri-entrepreneurs, recording over 492,000 visitors and RM8.8 million in sales nationwide in 2024.

Aminuddin outlined the objectives for FAMA Fest 2025, aiming for RM5.3 million in sales and 265,000 visitors across six selected locations, involving 383 entrepreneurs.