MARCH-APRIL . 2024 | @ AGROBiz

@ AGROBiz says ...

P15 Embracing sustainable halal agriculture

A path to food security and halalan toyyiban practices in Malaysia

P16 Revolutionising agriculture in Southeast Asia

Nutrition Technologies ’ aim for secure food security comes with insect-based solutions

P18 Recovery on track

Plantation sector shows signs of recovery amidst market dynamics

P20 11 largest palm oil producing countries

The estimated global palm oil production in 2022 / 2023 was 77.22 million tonnes , an increase of 3.39 million tonnes compared to the previous year

P22-23 Innovative technology in agriculture

From laser scarecrows to vertical farming , here ’ s a rundown of 20 agricultural innovations that are taking the industry by storm

P15

P16

P22-23

The repercussions of this shortage are staggering and extend beyond the confines of plantation fields . They impact productivity , economic stability and global competitiveness . The palm oil industry alone loses RM7.9 billion annually in exports due to worker shortages .

The root of this crisis lies in the heavy reliance on foreign workers , which is made worse by external factors such as immigration policies and the 3Ds ( Dirty , Difficult and Dangerous ) stigma attached to plantation work .

The Home Ministry and Human Resources Ministry have stopped the quota for the entry of foreign workers . The government is trying to convince the surplus foreign workers to work in the plantation sector , namely the oil palm sector , which needs 40,000 workers .

Isn ’ t it ironical that while the plantation sector grapples with a worker shortage , other sectors are experiencing excess foreign labour ? Thus , strategic reallocation and utilisation of available resources are urgently needed .

One approach is to diversify foreign labour sources and offer competitive compensation to attract workers . Expanding recruitment efforts to new countries and ensuring fair wages for the demanding nature of plantation work can make the sector more appealing to local and foreign workers .

Policy support is another critical pillar in addressing labour shortages . Streamlining visa processes for migrant workers , offering incentives for mechanisation , and ensuring fair wages and decent working conditions are essential to draw and retain workers in the industry .

Furthermore , technological innovations can potentially mitigate the impact of labour shortages . Mechanised harvesting equipment and automated machinery can increase productivity and efficiency , reduce dependency on manual labour , and ease worker strain .

Investing in research and development to tailor these technologies to the plantation environment is essential for long-term sustainability . And by continuously improving machinery efficiency and embracing advanced technologies , the industry can future-proof itself against similar challenges .

Community engagement is equally vital . By listening to local communities needs and concerns , initiatives can be designed to create employment opportunities and foster a sense of pride and ownership among residents .

The time for action is now . Addressing the labour shortage in Malaysia ’ s agriculture industry requires a holistic approach that combines policy interventions , technological advancements , sustainable practices , and community engagement .

Failure to act swiftly risks the sector ’ s viability and Malaysia ’ s position on the global stage .