LABUAN, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Labuan, which has been over-dependent on food imports from the mainland of Sabah and other states, plans to develop idle land on the island for agricultural activities.

The general manager of the State Farmers' Organisation Sahbudin Jair said currently the island brought in some 60,000 tonnes of vegetables and 48 tonnes of fresh meat monthly from Sabah and other states.

In a move to reduce the island's dependence on the mainland for its food, an action plan was being drawn up for implementation, he told Bernama.

He said the plan to develop 400 hectares of idle land on the island for agriculture had been agreed by some 400 farmers and livestock breeders during a briefing on the 10th Malaysia Plan last week.

Sahbudin said the organisation also planned to rope in school-leavers and graduates to be trained in various agriculture skills.

He said the local councils also needed to zone certain areas on the island as agriculture zones.

“Currently, there are farmers engaged in vegetable farming but not on a big scale, as they are just growing vegetables in their backyard," he said.

Meanwhile, the president of the Labuan chapter of the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPMML) Yussof Mohammad said the chamber had identified agricultural projects to be developed on 60 hectares of land in Kiansam. The projects are expected to take off early next year.

Yussof said the DPMML was currently scrutinising eligible and qualified trainees for its joint-venture project with the Agriculture Department to breed goats and chickens.

"We need full-time trainees to undergo six months of training before they can be allowed to conduct their own livestock breeding activity. We will help them to secure credit facility from the Agrobank or Tekun," he said.