160ha of NFC plot to be leased for corn cultivation

SEREMBAN: Once earmarked for beef production, part of the former National Feedlot Centre (NFC) in Gemas near here will be leased out to Selangor to grow grain corn for animal feed, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

The state government, through Mentri Besar Incorporated, will lease out 160ha to the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) and the project would be carried out soonest, he added.

“We have agreed to form a joint venture with PKPS to grow grain corn and hope this will reduce our import bill.

“More states should do likewise so that we can, together, reduce our dependence on imports,” he told reporters after chairing the state exco meeting here yesterday.

Last month, Selangor infrastructure, public utilities, modernisation of agriculture and agro-based industry committee chairman Izham Hashim said PKPS has managed to secure the services of a company with the experience of growing corn to produce chicken feed.

It was reported that prices of grain corn and soybean meal, the two main types of chicken feed, have increased by 13% and 11% respectively since January.

The rise in prices of chicken feed have also contributed to the increase in production costs, causing prices to go up.

In 2007, the state government through MBI leased 607.5ha for an integrated livestock farming and beef production facility called the NFC.

However, the project became embroiled in controversy for being poorly managed as noted in the Auditor-general’s Report 2011 despite Rm250mil soft loan.