Agriculture and Food Security
January-February . 2025 | @ AGROBiz
Agriculture and Food Security
17
Cattle growth agenda
MAFS aims for 25 per cent meat self-sufficiency by 2030
THE Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( MAFS ) is urging more breeders to tap into the hybrid cattle industry as part of an ambitious plan to raise Malaysia ’ s meat self-sufficiency ratio ( SSR ) to 25 per cent by 2030 .
During a recent Press conference at the Malaysian Hybrid Cattle Industry Potential Seminar 2024 held at the Parliament Building , MAFS Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup stressed that reducing the nation ’ s reliance on imported meat demands collective action from multiple sectors .
Currently , domestic production only accounts for a 16 per cent SSR , with local beef output recorded at roughly 30,000 metric tonnes last year .
He stated : “ MAFS has set a target to increase the country ’ s meat SSR to 25 per cent by 2030 , and we need to increase the cattle population from 726,000 to 1.7 million .
“ This is a significant challenge that the government cannot tackle alone ; it requires the active participation of the private sector , academia , and industry players .”
A PROMISING local initiative in onion farming is expected to deliver significant cost savings , according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu .
Speaking at the PKPS Ehsan Rose Onion Project at Selangor Fruit Valley on Jan 11 , the minister pointed to the strong performance of the rose onion project led by the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation ( PKPS ), with yields reaching about four tonnes per acre .
To further drive progress , Mohamad indicated that rose onion seeds will soon be distributed to interested parties , either at the end of this year or early next year .
This move comes as Malaysia continues to rely heavily on imports to meet its onion demand .
EXPANDING LOCAL BEEF
Hybrid cattle farming is already underway in regions including Kelantan , Pahang , and Terengganu , while in Sabah , the initiative is being led by the state government company Sawit Kinabalu .
Further reinforcing this commitment , MAFS is pushing forward systematic initiatives through the Department of Veterinary Services ( DVS ). One such initiative is the Livestock Genetic Resources Development Project , which benefits from allocations under the 12th Malaysian Plan ( RMK-12 ).
As a result , DVS has procured 22 breeding bulls to support the production of frozen livestock semen and enhance genetic resources .
Kurup explained : “ DVS
Local onion boom
He explained : “ In 2021 , Malaysia imported 484,867 metric tonnes of onions worth RM902.5mil to meet consumer demand .
“ India was the largest supplier , contributing 57 per cent , followed by China ( 20 per cent ) and Pakistan ( 11 per cent ).
“ If we manage to produce 30 per cent of the onion supply is also prioritising hybrid cattle breeding through a breeding enhancement project leveraging assisted reproduction technology .
“ This involves developing human capital expertise and advancing the skills of artificial insemination technicians , a key component of the project . It is expected to attract more young people to pursue certification as artificial insemination technicians .”
Under the seminar ’ s theme , ‘ Memperkasakan Industri Lembu Hibrid Pedaging ’ ( Strengthening the Hybrid Cattle Industry ), 200 participants gathered to share ideas and explore innovative livestock management techniques that could drive sustainable growth in Malaysia ’ s meat production .
locally , we could save RM300mil in import costs .”
In addition to the success in Selangor , promising results have also emerged from onion cultivation projects in Penang and Kelantan .
Mohamad also noted : “ We are also exploring other states suitable for onion farming , and our research agencies are looking into the feasibility of large onion cultivation as well .”
With this initiative , the government aims not only to bolster local agriculture but also to enhance national food security by reducing reliance on imported produce .
The collaborative efforts of research agencies and agricultural bodies underline a commitment to transforming the country ’ s onion industry , setting a benchmark for future farm advancements .
Super durian unleashed
THE Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute ( Mardi ) has unveiled a rebranding of its MDUR 88 hybrid durian , now known as Mardi Super ( MS88 ).
This move is aimed at boosting the profile of Malaysia ’ s premium durian and tapping into new commercial opportunities both locally and overseas .
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu emphasised the strategic importance of this initiative during his visit to Taman Agro Duriotourism at Mardi , explaining that the rebranding is part of a broader effort to meet the demands of the expanding international durian market .
The MS88 variety , which has benefited from 15 years of research , is now being compared in taste to renowned premium durians like Black Thorn .
Already , about 8,000 MS88 trees have been planted by smallholder farmers nationwide , explicitly targeting the export market in China .
Addressing market competition , Mohamad added : “ Despite competition from Thailand and Vietnam , we are confident that Malaysian durians remain a top choice in China , and we aim to meet the growing durian market there every year .”
In addition to rebranding efforts , the ministry and Mardi plan to distribute free MS88 durian seeds to encourage further cultivation . Meanwhile , Mardi highlighted that the MS88 durian boasts a rich , sweet taste , thick flesh , and a slower splitting process , ensuring more extended storage without compromising quality . – @ AGROBiz