“ In parallel with these technological advancements , we are actively encouraging farmers , growers , breeders , and agrifood entrepreneurs to adopt the Good Agricultural Practices Certificate ( MyGAP ).”

What role do technology and innovation , such as precision farming and agritech , play in the Ministry ’ s strategy for agricultural development ? Productivity , sustainability , and efficiency are cornerstones of the future of agriculture . In order to meet the increasing demand for food while simultaneously conserving resources and minimising our environmental impact , technology is not simply an add-on - it is fundamental to our approach .

Under our National Agro-Food Policy 2021-2030 , modernisation and smart farming have been identified as the primary strategic thrust .

This policy underscores our commitment to technology adoption through enhanced research , development , commercialisation , and innovation ( R & D & C & I ) activities . These initiatives will continue to be a significant focus in the 13th Malaysia Plan ( RMK-13 ).

Precision farming is one of the most promising tools in our arsenal .

By using sensors , GPS , and data analytics , farmers can monitor crop health , assess soil conditions , and manage water usage with greater precision . This leads to improved yields and a more effective allocation

of resources , thereby reducing wastage .

The integration of sustainable farming practices further contributes to lowering our overall environmental footprint .

Besides that , automation is revolutionising traditional farming operations . By adopting innovative automation techniques for planting , harvesting , and sorting , we can streamline operations , reduce labour costs , and achieve consistency in production .

Our vision is to create an agricultural sector that is not only efficient

and sustainable but also globally competitive .

In parallel with these technological advancements , we are actively encouraging farmers , growers , breeders , and agri-food entrepreneurs to adopt the Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices ( myGAP ) certificate .

This certification is critical in ensuring that agricultural products are of high quality and free from pests and diseases . In addition to MyGAP , we promote the attainment of international certifications and accreditations , such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points ( HACCP ) and GlobalGAP .

By ensuring that farms , abattoirs processing plants , and packaging sites are registered for quality assurance , safety , and traceability monitoring , we are laying the groundwork for a robust export market . Through these combined efforts , technology and innovation serve as key enablers , positioning Malaysia ’ s agricultural sector for long-term growth and resilience .

How will smart technologies be implemented among rural farmers ? You have to understand first that

It ’ s essential that rural farmers are not left behind as we modernise the agricultural sector .

Smart technology adoption must be inclusive , and to ensure this , our approach must be multi-layered and focused on both education and financial support .

We are already working with agricultural colleges across the country to ensure that the next generation of farmers is well-versed in modern techniques .

For example , the Bumbung Lima Agriculture Institute in Pulau Pinang offers specialised training on smart irrigation systems . At the same time , the Poultry Institute in Melaka is equipped with stateof-the-art closed-house system technology .

In addition to that , smart irrigation systems have been installed at research facilities in Sabah and Sarawak to build local expertise and demonstrate practical applications .

Financial support is another cornerstone of our strategy . The Ministry , through the Department of Agriculture ’ s ( DOA ) Vegetable Industry Development Programme , provides grants and financing to help farmers integrate modern methods with smart technologies .

Similarly , the Department