KUALA LUMPUR: The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry has prepared a policy paper and will formulate a blueprint to ensure the development of the corn-farming industry.
Its minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek told the Dewan Rakyat today that the industry has the potential to garner high profits for the country, thus the ministry is investing in its research and development.
"At present, the ministry through the Agriculture Department is active in undertaking corn-farming pilot projects in Terengganu and Kedah with aid from the private sector.
"Numerous researches are also being conducted including on corn seed and the appropriate model to develop the industry as well as its potential to add profit to farmers," he said, adding that the response from the pilot projects had been immensely positive.
In response to a query from Datuk Rozman Isli (BN-Labuan), Shabery said the country would be emulating success stories on corn-farming from neighbours Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
"If neighbouring countries are already profiting from it, this means that we can do the same. There is thus no issue of the compatibility of corn-farming on our lands."
Rozman had asked the ministry to state the current status of corn-farming that could potentially reduce the import of animal feed.
"We do need to formulate a policy regarding animal feed as it is imperative in the production of sufficient protein for the country.
"Corn offers the best source of protein and energy in our animal feed."
Shabery also targeted that within two to three years, the country would be successful in the farming of its own corn seeds, though it was currently in the introductory process at the moment.