NAFAS Strengthens Agricultural Input Delivery Through Stockist Training

PUTRAJAYA, June 26 (Bernama) -- The National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) is strengthening the country’s agricultural input distribution system by prioritising efficient and timely delivery through a Stockist Enhancement and Empowerment Course for the Central Zone.

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) Padi Industry Development Division secretary Mohd Zulkifli Harun said the course, which focused on the role of stockists under the Federal Government’s Padi Fertiliser Scheme and Padi Production Incentive Scheme, aims to enhance the effectiveness of all 195 stockists nationwide in assisting farmers.

He emphasised the need to improve standard operating procedures for stock management and distribution to ensure inputs are delivered on schedule.

“We also hope stockists will continue to play a key role in supporting policy implementation and information dissemination,” he said after the course’s closing ceremony here yesterday.

The three-day programme involved 70 participants from 28 Area Farmers Organisations (PPK) in Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Melaka.

Meanwhile, NAFAS deputy general manager Noor Azizah Abdul Aziz said the course was aimed at strengthening the role of PPKs and stockists as key intermediaries in delivering agricultural assistance to farmers.

“Stockists are the frontliners in ensuring accurate information and product quality are communicated to stakeholders,” she said in her speech.

She added that efficiency must be continuously improved, as any delay or mismanagement could significantly affect the entire distribution system.

“We are all aware that the effectiveness of government aid delivery depends on how well distribution is managed in line with the planting schedule,” she said.

The programme also featured technical briefings and engagement with implementing agencies including KPKM, MARDI, the Department of Agriculture and the Project Implementing Authority.

PPK Merlimau general manager Mohd Sukri Abd Razak, one of the participants, said the course provided stockists with the opportunity to reassess their roles and take corrective steps in fertiliser delivery and distribution to farmers.

“It helped us better understand the subsidy distribution system and ensure more consistent delivery,” he said.

-- BERNAMA