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of Fisheries ( DOF ) supports aquaculture through its Delivery and Support Service System Programme .
Agrobank further complements these efforts by offering financing solutions aimed at controlled agricultural environments and Fourth Industrial Revolution ( 4IR ) technologies , including the Internet of Things ( IoT ) and Artificial Intelligence ( AI ).
But technology alone isn ’ t enough ; a solid support system and comprehensive training are crucial .
That ’ s why we have partnered with agencies like the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute ( MARDI ) and the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC ) to organise workshops and training sessions on agritech .
These sessions introduce farmers to emerging technologies such as drone-based monitoring , automated irrigation systems , and even blockchain applications for supply chain transparency .
Such initiatives not only equip farmers with the technical knowhow but also build confidence in using these advanced tools .
By developing accessible pathways for technology adoption , we are ensuring that smart farming isn ’ t confined to experimental pilot projects - it will become a standard practice across the entire agricultural sector .
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Our goal is to empower every farmer , regardless of location , to benefit from the efficiencies and innovations that smart technology can provide .
How does the Ministry plan to tackle issues such as rising costs of farming inputs and land access for new farmers ? We are fully aware that rising costs for farming inputs and limited land access pose significant hurdles to the sustainability of our agricultural sector . Addressing these challenges , however , requires a comprehensive and coordinated strategy .
One central element of our approach is the expansion of Taman Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan ( TKPM ), which is designed to secure dedicated zones for food production .
By safeguarding these areas , we promote sustainable agriculture while stabilising input costs . We are also reinforcing agricultural marketing efforts through FAMA , which , along with various financial assistance schemes , plays a key role in ensuring that farmers receive competitive prices for their produce .
Improving land access is another critical priority .
The Ministry is actively identifying underutilised agricultural lands that can be allocated to new and aspiring farmers , thereby addressing the issue of land scarcity and
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“ Our goal is to empower every farmer , regardless of location , to benefit from the efficiencies and innovations that smart technology can provide .”
encouraging greater youth participation in agriculture .
In collaboration with state and local governments , we are working to ensure that enough land is reserved for agricultural use despite competing pressures from urban and industrial development .
We have also partnered with the Ministry of Defence ( MinDEF ), having launched the AgroDefence Project . This strategic initiative repurposes military land for agricultural activities and offers opportunities for veterans interested in transitioning into farming .
Currently , 922 acres of MinDEFapproved land remain uncultivated , and we are in ongoing discussions to explore further potential . This not only supports land access for new farmers but also leverages unused resources for the greater good .
Furthermore , the Ministry
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continues to bolster the financial resilience of farmers . We offer a range of subsidies , including those for chicken , eggs , paddy , and diesel , as well as incentives for fertilisers , seeds , and interest-free loans . These financial measures are designed to lower production costs and help farmers achieve better yields .
In parallel , we are promoting modern farming techniques , such as precision agriculture , which enhance productivity and reduce reliance on costly inputs .
Market linkages also play a vital role in our strategy . Additionally , we are engaging with international partners to secure more favourable trade agreements .
By aligning our agricultural products with global safety and quality standards , we aim to expand market opportunities for Malaysian farmers , allowing them to access both domestic and international markets .
Collectively , these strategies are designed to address the immediate challenges of rising input costs and land scarcity while also laying the foundation for a more resilient , sustainable agricultural sector in the long term .
We are confident that we can secure a prosperous future for Malaysia ’ s farming community . May our sincere and dedicated efforts lead to success in ensuring that this sector remains sustainable . – @ AGROBiz
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