Sultan Mizan suggests implementation of vertical farming in Terengganu

 

Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin says vertical farming couldeffectively control diseases where waste from livestock and plants is reused in other circular economy sectors - BERNAMA PIC

KUALA TERENGGANU: Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin has suggested the development of the proof of concept for vertical farming, which is a more innovative method in agriculture.

His Royal Highness said the method could more effectively control diseases where waste from livestock and plants is reused in other circular economy sectors.

"I have researched vertical farming, a modern agricultural method where all cultivation, farming, and aquaculture activities are conducted within one structure equipped with infrastructure similar to a complete farm.

"This concept is a future agriculture method emerging from conflicts over land use, challenges posed by climate change and the increasing demand for food supplies as the world's population grows," the Terengganu Ruler said in his speech in conjunction with the Sultan of Terengganu 62th birthday celebration at Istana Syarqiyyah, here, today.

Sultan Mizan said the need for physical development in the state must be considered to ensure that land use for the agri-food sector is maintained even though the state has about 244,000ha of agricultural land, half cultivated with commodities such as oil palm and rubber.

"I understand that one of the factors to draw investors to implement projects in this state is the availability of commercial-sized land.

"With the declaration of Setiu as the food production hub of Terengganu, I hope more investment opportunities in the agricultural sector can bring abundant benefits to the people in the state," said His Royal Highness, also suggesting the adoption of the latest technology for more effective land use.

Sultan Mizan also stressed that the tourism sector must continue to be emphasised by implementing promotional activities and hosting events throughout the year to increase the socio-economic status of the Terengganu people.

"I hope my state government will strive to improve the infrastructure for the comfort of tourists and to prepare for the Visit Terengganu Year in 2027.

"The basic infrastructure on resort islands, such as electricity and clean water supply, should be improved.

"Effective waste management should be emphasised…the management of transportation system to resort islands must be improved," Sultan Mizan said, adding that the state government should identify strategies to ensure that island and coastal tourism also contribute to the state's economy.

– Bernama