Agriculture is the second largest contributor to the state’s GDP with an average contribution of 24% annually at present.

Chief Minister Shafie Apdal said the Sabah Agriculture Blueprint 2021-2030 aims to attract public participation, especially among graduates, in the agriculture and fisheries sector while reducing imports of such goods.

“The blueprint will not only contribute to the economy but also create job opportunities for youths and reduce dependency on imports of food supplies. At present, meat is still being imported from Australia and India.

“We can no longer depend on the oil and gas, timber and tourism sectors. We need to diversify our economic activities to cushion us from any major economic downturn,” he said after launching the blueprint at the State Administrative Building in Likas here.

Also present was Sabah Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Junz Wong.

Ther targets set out under the blueprint include increasing the revenue in seaweed farming from RM44 million in 2017 to RM1.84 billion in 2030, cage fish farming from RM238 million to RM3.56 billion, fresh milk production from RM1.4 billion to RM7 billion, and padi yield from less than 30% to 60%.

The focus will be on crops such as Musang King durian, coconut, honey pineapple, pomelo, mushrooms, cabbage, coffee, honey, rubber and padi.

Attention will also be paid to dairy farming, bird’s nest, seaweed, fish and shrimp farming.

Shafie said funds for the projects and support programmes will be sourced from the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025).