@AGROBiz July/August 2025 | Page 15

July-August. 2025 | @ AGROBiz

Collaboration with exporting nations will be expanded, while modern technologies and digitalisation will streamline import processes and safeguard against potential threats to food safety.

To minimise post-harvest losses, the government plans to improve the efficiency of harvesting, storage, and transportation. Enforcement of key food safety laws will be intensified to ensure that quality standards are consistently met.

A new disaster protection scheme will be introduced to help farmers mitigate losses from unforeseen events. Private sector partnerships in agricultural insurance will also be explored to extend risk coverage for various farming activities.

3. Reinforcing the food supply chain

Building a stronger food supply chain is another critical pillar of RMK13.

Infrastructure across the value chain- including collection, processing, packaging, and distribution centres- will be improved, with digital platforms supporting real-time logistics and pricing.

Small and medium-sized retailers will be integrated into new agro-marketing hubs. At the same time, a real-time data repository will be developed to monitor food supply and pricing across the chain.

Regulatory enforcement under laws such as the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and the Competition Act 2010 will enable stronger enforcement, deterring price manipulation and ensuring fairer access to food for all.

4. Strengthening the R & D & C & I ecosystem

RMK13 places a strong emphasis on strengthening the ecosystem for research, development, commercialisation and innovation( R & D & C & I) to unlock Malaysia ' s innovation potential.

This includes the application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence( AI) and augmented reality( AR) in agriculture.

The aim is to stimulate the creation of high-value, export-ready products and services under the " Made by Malaysia " banner, while generating high-income jobs and economic spillovers.

Recognising past weaknesses in funding and governance, the plan stresses better coordination between public agencies, private firms, and research institutions to drive innovation.

The broader target is to elevate Malaysia into the top 20 of the Global Innovation Index by cultivating a national culture of innovation.

GROWING FORWARD

RMK13 reflects a decisive shift in how Malaysia views its agriculture sector— not just as a legacy industry, but as a powerful engine of economic resilience, food security, and innovation.

With the lessons of RMK12 as its base, this new plan aims to transform agriculture into a resilient, tech-driven, and opportunity-rich sector.- @ AGROBiz

� 2024 Agrofood contribution:

• Agrofood sub-sector contributed 53.3 per cent of Malaysia ' s total agricultural value-added output, surpassing agricommodities.

� Key achievements from RMK12:

• SMART SBB Sekinchan: 1,516 hectares for rice selfsufficiency.

• Five Crops in Two Years: Yield increase from 3.8 to 5.0 tonnes / hectare.

• Pineapple Expansion: 18,000 + hectares, 42,000 + tonnes exported.

• New Onion Varieties: BAW-1, BAW-2, BAW-3 developed.

• Maise for Animal Feed: 6,000 + tonnes harvested.

• Agro MADANI Sales: 7,295 events, 4.28 million visitors.

• Youth Grants: 800 + Agropreneur Muda recipients.

• Regulatory Milestone: Establishment of a dedicated agri-food regulatory agency.

� What RMK13 will focus on:

• Expanding large-scale food production in Sabah, Sarawak, East Coast.

• Strengthening rice production with PPPs in Muda, Kedah & Perlis.

• Diversifying crop portfolio and import partners.

• Launching a disaster protection scheme for farmers.

• Creating real-time food supply chain monitoring systems.

• Emphasising AI, AR & innovation in agri-tech.

• Targeting a top-20 spot in the Global Innovation Index.

RESHAPING AGRICULTURE:

Farmers play a key role in RMK13 ' s strategy to secure the nation ' s food supply.