IPOH: A multi-agency effort has been launched to reduce the country’s dependence on imported poultry feed with the introduction of a local version in Muar and, subsequently, for wider distribution starting in Perak.
The kampung chicken feed, developed by FGV Integrated Farming Sdn Bhd (FGVIF) and branded as Alma, will be distributed to poultry farmers in Perak using the existing distribution network.
FGV Holdings Bhd (FGV) is taking the lead in the project with the cooperation of strategic partners Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), Felda Capital Cooperative (KPF) and Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas).
FGV group CEO Nazrul Izam Mansor told Bernama the distribution network was being expanded across Perak to ensure that Alma products were easily available in the markets in the state as well as the rest of the country.
“For the Perak market, the first step is to use the existing distribution network in the state before expanding the marketing with promotional programmes targeted at Felda and FGV settlers, and then to consumers outside,” he said.
Nazrul Izam said initial efforts would focus on distributing the Alma kampung chicken feed to locations closest to its processing plant in Muar, Johor, before distribution starts in Perak followed by other states.
He said his team had also prepared a delivery service at reasonable costs, especially for customers outside the Klang Valley, in addition to always ensuring that the supply from the factory was sufficient to cover the demand for the domestic and export markets.
The Alma kampung chicken feed was first introduced by FGVIF on Aug 10 as part of FGV’s effort to contribute to the National Food Security and National Agrofood Policy agenda.
The kampung chicken feed is made of by-products of local padi and rice mills. The new formulation was developed jointly by FGV and Bernas.
Bernas group managing director Haris Fadzilah Hassan had said earlier that with the production of the new native chicken fodder, the country would be able to reduce its reliance on imports of poultry feed, further ensuring the availability of the product and selling it at a lower price.
It has been reported that currently Malaysia produces about eight million chickens yearly and almost 10% of it is exported to Singapore, while the rest is distributed in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Penang.
The potential supply of livestock feed for this industry is expected to reach as much as 32,000 tonnes per year.