KUCHING: Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) denies that major supermarkets in the country were looking down on local agriculture produce, including seasonal fruits.

Its director-general, Datuk Mohamed Shariff Abdul Aziz, said it was not true that supermarkets were ignoring local produce. Local agriculture produce was in fact enjoying high demand in supermarkets throughout the country.

“Fama is actively promoting local agriculture produce, and as middleman for farmers to get their produce onto the shelves of the major supermarkets, it ensures that local produce including fruits are being sold.

“Our agropreneurs should therefore seize the opportunity to produce sufficient supply because they can earn a lot of money from the venture,” he told reporters at an appreciation dinner last Saturday for customers, dealers and participants of the Agro-Based Industry Expo, which was held at the Kuching Waterfront last week.

He also said a caravan market, which just started in Peninsular Malaysia, was a step into modernising the local markets to benefit farmers.

“Ultimately, all produce markets will be mobile. This is how we modernise the market. This is the future but first, we must get the acceptance of consumers.”

The venture aims to create entrepreneurs who are able to sell their own produce and sustain themselves.

“We have put up a working model to make the project viable. The viability part involves Fama into making sure there are more places to trade, and more contract farmers.”

Shariff said Fama’s objectives this year included helping farmers and agro-based entrepreneurs to move beyond the local market and be able to export their produce.

“At this point, we will help them get used to expos where they can sell directly to customers and let them see if their products are accepted by the public.

“There are a few signature products like tebaloi and kek lapis that have the potential to reach a larger market in Peninsular Malaysia or even overseas.”

He also said that the new RM45 million Medan Niaga Satok, located on a 12.25acre site near Kubah Ria, would begin construction this year, and would take 18 months to complete.

“This is an achievement to be proud of. We are thankful to the state government for supporting us in this.”

Shariff also revealed that Fama would be opening up another eight more pasar tani (markets) in Sarawak, bringing the total to 25 markets by yearend.

“As of June this year the markets record sale of RM3.5 million, and by yearend, we expect to record RM10 million. With all 25 markets in operation by then, we target to collect about RM15 million.”

Shariff also announced an increase in the number of Fama staff in Sarawak – from 50 last year to 127 this year.

“This is an assuring development. There are also more programmes and activities planned this year.”