JANUARY-FEBRUARY . 2024 | @ AGROBiz

TO BOLSTER Penang ’ s appeal as an investment destination for AgriTech , FoodTech , and related sectors , Invest- Penang spearheaded the formation of the Penang AgriTech & FoodTech Industry Council .

Established to foster collaboration and engagement among government agencies and industry stakeholders , the council served as a platform for discussions on trends , opportunities , policies and strategic directions crucial for the growth of AgriTech , FoodTech , and allied industries in Penang .

Facilitated by InvestPenang and chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of InvestPenang Dato ’ Loo Lee Lian , the Council comprises leading AgriTech and FoodTech companies such as Enza Zaden , Federal Oats Mills , Ghee Hiang , Golden Fresh , Kilang Mata Spices , Produk Makanan Enak Gembira ( Ocean Planet ), Tropical Consolidated , ViTrox , and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers ( FMM ) Penang Branch . Quarterly meetings were held to ensure regular and constructive dialogue among members .

The establishment of the Penang AgriTech & FoodTech Industry Council was in line with the objectives outlined in the National Food Security Policy Action Plan ( DSMN ) 2021-2025 and National Agro-food Policy 2021-2030 ( DAN 2.0 ). These policies underscored the importance of modernisation and smart agriculture to revolutionise the agro-food sector , aligning with Industry Revolution 4.0 ( IR4.0 ) and the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) 2030 .

At a recent event titled “ Smart Agriculture & Food Manufacturing : Cultivating a Sustainable Future ,” jointly organised by InvestPenang , the FMM , Human Resource Development Corporation ( HRD Corp ), and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC ), experts showcased the latest innovations and developments in agriculture and food technologies .

Through presentations , case studies , and panel discussions , participants explored global trends and policies in food manufacturing and agriculture , the role of technology in enhancing productivity and sustainability , and financial support mechanisms for agriculture and food production .

The event highlighted Penang ’ s AgriTech and FoodTech capabilities , emphasising opportunities for technology transfer , commercialisation of local R & D products , and addressing challenges posed by climate change . With Malaysia facing food security concerns , collaboration and innovation in smart agriculture and food manufacturing are imperative . By leveraging technology and fostering partnerships , stakeholders aim to cultivate a sustainable future for Malaysia ’ s agriculture and food manufacturing industry .

SARAWAK Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg recently highlighted the potential for padi farmers in Sarawak to significantly boost their income significantly , reaching up to RM6,000 per month through the adoption of smart farming techniques .

The Premier revealed that smart farming , particularly the use of hybrid seedlings developed in Lubok Punggor , could result in five harvests within two years , leading to a substantial 60 per cent increase in farmers ’ income , according to a study conducted by Universiti Putra Malaysia ( UPM ) in a pilot project . During a press conference held after a site visit to Lubok Punggor and the

THE proposed introduction of the Malaysia Madani white rice package by the National Action Council for Cost of Living ( Naccol ) requires prior Cabinet approval .

Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali , Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security , clarified that the pricing of local white rice , being a controlled food item , necessitates Cabinet endorsement before any decision can be finalised .

Lokman affirmed that the initiative , proposed by Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Faisal , Chairman of Naccol ’ s Task Force for the food cluster , is currently a private endeavour and has

Mini Isthmus in Gedong , Abang Johari shared insights from the UPM study , emphasising the need for modern technology to be integrated into rice cultivation to uplift the financial well-being of farmers .

Highlighting the Lubok Punggor pilot project as a successful example of a public-private partnership with agriculture cooperatives , the Premier noted that the collaboration allowed padi farmers to access technology through rental equipment from these cooperatives . He also mentioned that the State government has allocated RM30 million for drainage improvement works in Lubok Punggor and plans to extend similar initiatives to

not undergone the requisite processes . He emphasised the need to engage stakeholders and relevant authorities before such announcements can be implemented nationwide .

Responding to Syed Abu Hussin ’ s announcement of the Malaysia Madani white rice priced at RM30 for a 10kg sack , Lokman reiterated that the ministry has not been involved in any discussions or approvals regarding this matter .

Syed Abu Hussin , in his capacity as the Bukit Gantang MP and Naccol Task Force

other areas .

Abang Johari underscored the significance of the successful model in Lubok Punggor , stating that if proven effective , it could serve as a framework for the state government to develop constructive agricultural policies .

He emphasised the potential socio-economic impact , stating that with a monthly income of RM6,000 , farmers would transition from the poverty list to the middle-income category , showcasing the transformative power of smart farming practices in enhancing livelihoods .

Chairman , defended his decision , citing the necessity of ensuring an adequate supply of white rice in the market .

Acknowledging concerns over the shortage and high prices of white rice , Syed Abu Hussin stressed the urgency of the situation and his duty to address it promptly .

While the legality of mixing local and imported white rice in one sack remains contentious , Syed Abu Hussin proposed amendments to existing laws to accommodate such practices if necessary .

THE United Nations has projected that an estimated 840 million people worldwide will face food insecurity by 2030 . Thus , addressing this issue has become increasingly urgent . This concern is compounded by the escalating effects of climate change , growing global population and disruptions in supply chains witnessed during the pandemic . Consequently , many countries , including Malaysia , are prioritising food security .

In Malaysia , the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry ( MAFS ) acknowledged that while the country ’ s food security situation remains favourable , disruptions are caused by geopolitical tensions impacting poultry supply . Despite this , Malaysia is ranked 41st globally in the Global Food Security Index ( GFSI ) and 10th in the Asia-Pacific region , trailing behind Singapore .

However , MAFS emphasised that competitive rankings should not overshadow countries ’ diverse needs and economic backgrounds . To enhance its GFSI ranking , Malaysia aims to adopt best practices from countries like Finland , Ireland , and Norway , which excel in food security .

Finland ’ s resource-efficient and waste-free food system , Ireland ’ s promotion of sustainability in agriculture , and Norway ’ s prioritisation of food security through substantial investments serve as models for Malaysia . Additionally , tackling food waste and strengthening research and development ( R & D ) are crucial steps towards achieving a sustainable food system .

Despite challenges , Malaysia remains among the top 10 in the Asia Pacific and second-best in ASEAN for food security . However , the agriculture sector ’ s contribution to Malaysia ’ s GDP has been relatively modest , prompting efforts to modernise and enhance productivity through smart agriculture initiatives outlined in the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030 ( DAN2.0 ).

MAFS underscores the importance of intensifying R & D efforts to drive modernisation and technological advancements in the agriculture sector . Collaborations with research organisations , industry players , government support , and incentives are vital for fostering innovation and increasing productivity .

Organisations like the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute ( MARDI ) actively engage in international collaborations to bolster agricultural research . Meanwhile , initiatives like the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board ’ s night farming plan demonstrate efforts to boost agricultural exports and stimulate economic growth .

As Malaysia continues to navigate global challenges , investing in research , modernisation , and technology will be key to ensuring a sustainable and secure food future for its people .