East Coast Economic Region : Agriculture : Overview

TOURISM • OIL, GAS & PETROCHEMICAL • MANUFACTURING • AGRICULTURE • EDUCATION

		Overview

		Strategies

		Key Projects

		CPPC and CMC

		Benefits

		Participation Opportunities

Strategies

To encourage the development of the agricultural sector, the ECER Master Plan proposes the expansion of large-scale commercial farming, wider application of modern technology, development of value-added activities, improving supply chain management, the participation of private sector as anchor companies and increasing non-farm opportunities.

Agriculture is a mainstay economic activity in the ECER. So naturally, the agriculture sector will be improved in order to increase household incomes and reduce poverty. The ECER’s agricultural sector strategy also looks at reducing the reliance on agriculture imports, thus improving the Balance of Trade (BOT).

The main strategies are:

Expanding large-scale commercial farming
Increasing agriculture production by venturing into large-scale commercial farming
Wider application of modern technology
Modernisation of farms incorporating the latest farm technology, mechanization and automation in order to increase production; and to ensure quality of production, crop management, pest and disease control
Development of value added activities
Venture into high quality and value-added primary and processing activities
Improving supply chain management
A good supply chain and delivery system service shall reduce post-harvest losses for agriculture, fisheries and livestock and improve marketing channels. Advantages will include less market intermediary, reduce post harvest losses due to better handling, ensure quality of products and Collection, Processing and Packaging Centres (CPPC) will act as one-stop centre for processing agriculture outputs.
Participation of private sector as anchor companies
The participation of private sector as anchor companies is expected to play a greater role in the development of agriculture sector as it will bring in entrepreneurial farmers and skilled workers to the industry.
Strengthening marketing and global networking
New and emerging challenges, requires an increase in productivity and competitiveness. Penetrating new markets could be done by creating a chain of production processes in those strategic locations and relocating manufacturing sub-processes to consuming countries.
Increasing non-farm opportunities
Programmes will also be promoted to increase non-farm opportunities such as home-based manufacturing and production. Farmers can value-add their crops by doing simple processing such turning raw fruits to bottled juices or processed syrup.
Poverty eradication in focus development area
The ECER’s social thrust identified Agropolitan projects as a key poverty eliminator that will benefit the local and remote populace by introducing a structured approach towards higher-yield agricultural activities.
Implement Balance of Trade (BOT) Plan in Food Production
Under Balance of Trade( BOT) Plan, production will be intensified with better quality products, better support services, and usage of latest technology. This is to increase the export of products with competitive production costs and reduce reliance on imports.

SUMMARY

		Expanding large-scale commercial farming

		Wider application of modern technology

		Development of value added activities

		Improving supply chain management

		Participation of private sector as anchor companies

		Strengthening marketing and global networking

		Increasing non-farm opportunities

		Poverty eradication in focus development area

		Implement Balance of Trade (BOT) Plan in Food Production