FGV committed to supporting national food security agenda
07 Oct 2023 04:47pm
FGV Holdings Berhad
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Head of integrated farming Razak Aya said the company today launched its latest dairy product, Yogurt Acerola under its Bright Cow brand, as part of that commitment.
"If we look at dairy food security, we have only achieved a 60-70 per cent self-sufficiency level (SSL) and we are committed to increasing the domestic SSL and diversifying our dairy product range made from locally-sourced fresh milk.
"FGV is also producing livestock feeds, a business we are very familiar with as it is not something new. The animal feeds are produced from processed oil palm waste. We use these to feed the dairy cattle and can offer our products at cheaper prices, thus helping the public to access healthy and fresh products that are also affordable,” he told the media after launching Yogurt Acerola at AEON BiG Wangsa Maju here today.
On the national food security in terms of rice, Razak said FGV has planted about 700 hectares of fragrant rice in Selangor and Perak under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s Large-Scale Smart Paddy Field (Smart SBB) programme involving 400 farmers, and the selling prices are competitive.
"Our commitments include ensuring fragrant rice is also produced by local farmers rather than just the normal white rice.
"This will reduce the country’s dependence on imports and ensure we have good production security. Hopefully, through the collaboration between FGV and paddy farmers, we can increase the fragrant rice yield by as high as twofold, to six or seven tonnes per hectare from 3.5 to four tonnes per hectare,” he said.
According to him, if all farmers could multiply their yields, the nation would no longer need to depend on imports.
"This requires a long-term commitment, but as proof of concept, FGV has begun making the effort and is ensuring the project’s success by launching the Saji Aroma Malaysian fragrant rice (early last year).
"We have done it for two years comprising five seasons and we have seen improvement among and commitment from the farmers,” he said.
The newly-launched Yogurt Acerola is said to be the first yogurt range in Malaysia to use Acerola cherry, known for its high Vitamicn C content, as the main ingredient. The product is available in two local flavours -- Coconut Gula Melaka and Pineapple.
Meanwhile, in a media statement, FGV group chief executive officer Datuk Nazrul Mansor said all of FGV’s yogurts are made from fresh milk sourced from its farm in Linggi, Negeri Sembilan.
"Through this latest foray, we are further re-defining our efforts in highlighting FGV as a company that champions sustainable foods and agriproducts for generations to come and committed to play an important role in the national food security agenda by delivering affordable, high quality and nutritious products for Malaysians,” he said.
From October to December, Bright Cow is running a year-end promotion, with 120g Acerola Yogurt priced at RM1.99 (recommended retail price or RRP: RM3.00) and Greek Yogurt at RM2.90 (RRP: RM3.90).
The statement said Bright Cow’s sales for 2024 are projected to double compared to this year. - BERNAMA
