The number of visitors to the Agrotourism Project in Young Areas in 2016, a total of 42,991 people visited the MADA Agrotourism Project. The details of visitors to the MADA agrotourism project are as follows: –
A. AGRO-BASED INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Throughout 2016, various programs and activities to increase production of agro-based products have been implemented. This implementation is in line with the goals of the National Agro-Food Policy. The MADA continued with the human capital development program of farmers where knowledge and skills of farmers were enhanced through the participation of MADA-organized training. Among the basic farming projects that have been given priority in 2016 are divided into two sectors namely Fresh Products and Non-Food Products.
FRESH PRODUCT
i. Plant Project
Diving cultivation project is a major crop project focused on the Young Regions after rice cultivation as most farmers cultivate the cultivation activities. Farmers involved in this diffusion group project are “out growers” to the MADA Mango Farm, Tobiar Pendang where their production proceeds are also collected and sold to the Mada Mago Farm.
The MADA Mango Farm Project is a commercial cultivation plant with a total area of 42 hectares. As a commercial scale farm, this farm plays an important role in which it has become a Diving Plant Technology Transfer Center, Pruning Plant Practices Training Center and Pengkedan Gradation and Processing Center in Muda Area.
The cultivated shrub clone is from Chok Anan type (MA224) and to increase the value of the product, this tuna is branded with the Tobiar Gold brand in conjunction with the name of the cultivation area. The farm has also successfully obtained certification and accreditation of Malaysia’s Good Agricultural Practice Scheme (myGAP).
ii. Aquaculture Project
To diversify and generate income by farmers, aquaculture projects especially tilapia fish culture in cages is one of the activities undertaken by using water resources on the MADA canal. In addition to tilapia fish farming in cages, farmers also carry out traditional fish culture projects in the ponds, types of fish that are reared are catfish, puyu and sepat.
iii. The Livestock Project
Livestock Project has been concentrated as the livestock industry in the Muda area is still small but potentially expanded to contribute to the production of national food supply. In addition to fostering entrepreneurial values among farmers in the livestock sector, these activities have generated their incomes aside from rice crops. Animal husbandry projects undertaken by the farmers include the Goat Livestock Project, the Cow Livestock and the Duck Farm.
NON-FOOD PRODUCT
i) Straw Project
In rice cultivation activities, the rice harvesting process will produce waste from paddy trees, especially hay. Since ancient times, straw-burning activities have been carried out to eliminate such waste and as a means of eliminating disease infections, pest attacks and further strengthening soil structures. However, it attracts environmental pollution problems where rice straw combustion can be openly disruptive to the quality of air and surrounding people.
Hence, until 2016, MADA has developed 7 rice straw raising projects fully operated under DI, PPK B-II, PPK H-II, PPK A-III, PPK E-III, PPK B-IV and PPK F-IV.
Throughout 2016, the implementation of the Agro-based Development Project in Muda Region had generated a total income of RM6,182,243. This revenue dropped 35.9% from the previous year. This decline factor is due to the phenomenon of el-nino. Details of the achievement of the Basic Development Projects are as follows: –
