Bioeconomy devt programme expanded nationwide – Madius
NILAI: Bioeconomy Corporation has expanded the implementation of the Bioeconomy Community Development Programme ( BCDP) nationwide since it was launched and until April, 33 of its projects were carried out at various levels, with the involvement of 1,732 participants, said Science, Technology and Innovation ( MOSTI) Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau.
He said the commercial cultivation of oyster mushrooms at Kampung Kondok is among BCDP’s projects implemented through the MOSTI’s 2016 Social Innovation ( MSI) fund which is also used to cover expenditure on training, construction of mushroom sheds and the purchase of 100,000 poly bags for 10 members of the Waris Jati Kondok Cooperative.
“The mushroom farming project is able to generate RM652,000 annually for 10 mushroom sheds or a monthly income of RM54,000. Thus, if the project is carried out with no f laws, it will create a winwin situation for all involved,” he said said in his speech, here today, that was read by MOSTI secretary- general Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Azhar Yahaya, during the handing over of the MSI project for the BCDP programme.
Also present were Negeri Sembilan Agriculture and Agro- based Industry Action Committee chairman Datuk Hasim Rusdi and acting chief executive officer of Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd, Syed Agil Syed Hashim.
According to Madius, with the assurance of a repurchase agreement with Frais Funghi Sdn Bhd, the company will obtain a consistent supply of oyster mushrooms to be processed and marketed, while participants will gain returns from the sale of the mushrooms to the company.
“Oyster mushrooms can also be used in various sectors, such as food, health and cosmetics. Thus, with the increase of demand in the local market, I am confident that that the industry will have great potential to be developed in this country,” he added. — Bernama