Malaysia’s Kelantan converts 3,300 hectares of idle land into productive farms

The state of Kelantan in northeast Peninsular Malaysia has successfully developed 3,332.92 hectares of idle land into agricultural production areas between 2006 and 2024, supported by more than RM26 million in government funding (≈ USD 5.5 million).

State authorities reported that approximately RM12.6 million (≈ USD 2.6 million) came from the Kelantan government to develop 2,332.57 hectares, while the federal government allocated around RM13.7 million (≈ USD 2.9 million) to support the development of 1,000.35 hectares.

The land has been used to plant permanent crops such as coconut, durian and limau madu, as well as cash crops including watermelon, pineapple, chilli, cucumber, corn, melon, and various vegetables.

To take part in the land development programme, farmers must work with a minimum land size of 0.4 hectares, with support provided at a rate of RM25,000 per hectare (≈ USD 5,200/ha).

One of the areas highlighted under this initiative is in Pasir Mas, where over 109 hectares have been allocated for integrated agriculture involving vegetables and chilli cultivation.

The programme forms part of Kelantan’s long-term strategy to increase local food production, strengthen rural livelihoods, and reduce reliance on underutilised land.

source: bernama.com

photo: nationsencyclopedia.com