SEREMBAN, July 21 — The newly-launched New Affirmative Action Movement (NAAM) has identified 73 locations to kick off its pilot project involving red chili farming. NAAM Foundation chairman Datuk M. Saravanan said the pilot project which starts next month would involve 500 Indian youths in stages.
“Planting red chili was chosen as because there was a great demand for red chili in the country and can expect returns within three to four months. Red chili can also be turned into dry chili, chili sauce or chili powder.
“Right now the supply of red chili depends heavily on import, so there is a demand for the product. Furthermore, the returns are good and the logistics involved is not complex,” he said after visiting a 4.86 hectare site for planting red chili at Bandar Sri Sendayan, near here, yesterday.
Saravanan who is also the Deputy Youth and Sports Minister said the project which received the support of the state government would be able to assist Indian youths to improve their economic status.
“Candidates chosen for the project will also be given training and financial assistance through Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (TEKUN). Furthermore, those involved in the products need not worry about how to market their products because Yayasan NAAM will fully take care of marketing side.
Apart from TEKUN, we are also working with FAMA to ensure the success of the project,” he said. Among locations identified in Negeri Sembilan for the modern farming pilot project are Rembau, Jelebu, Telok Kemang and Tampin.
– BERNAMA
