March-April. 2026 | @ AGROBiz

• Malaysia and Turkmenistan are set to explore wider market opportunities for local agricultural products, aiming to increase bilateral trade and strengthen cooperation in the agriculture and food security sectors.

• Cooperation will focus on R & D, water management and sector modernisation.

• MAFS is enabling private companies to redevelop abandoned rice fields via rental agreements with landowners.

ALAYSIA is looking to broaden its agricultural trade footprint with Turkmenistan, as both countries explore new market opportunities for local produce while strengthening cooperation in food security.

The move followed a recent meeting between Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu and Turkmenistan’ s Ambassador, Muhammetnyyaz Mashalov, which marked the first formal engagement between the two sides.

Both countries agreed to intensify efforts to unlock new market access for agricultural products, with the aim of boosting bilateral trade for mutual benefit.

The meeting opened discussions on expanding market access for local agricultural products, with both sides expressing interest in strengthening bilateral trade. As of Dec 2025, agricultural trade between Malaysia and Turkmenistan stood at RM58.74 million, driven largely by Malaysian exports including coffee, cocoa, tea and spices.

Both countries also acknowledged the need to modernise the sector to better respond to climate-related challenges. Emphasis was placed on adopting more resilient, forwardlooking approaches, including integrating technology and innovation to support sustainable production and strengthen food security at both national and global levels.

In line with this, Malaysia emphasised the role of innovation and knowledge-sharing in advancing the sector, including through institutional partnerships and technical exchanges.

In addition, the session underscored the importance of continuous dialogue in identifying shared priorities and translating them into practical outcomes that benefit producers and industry stakeholders.

During the meeting, Mohamad extended an invitation to Turkmenistan to participate in the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and

“ The project enables farmers to benefit from their land even if they cannot work it themselves, while allowing companies to maintain and revive abandoned plots.”

- Dr Hushaimi

Agrotourism( MAHA) 2026 exhibition, to be held from Aug 28 to Sept 6 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang.

The event is expected to serve as a platform to promote innovation, facilitate trade engagement and strengthen regional cooperation.

Senior officials from the ministry were also present, signalling continued commitment towards fostering strategic alliances that can support the long-term resilience and growth of Malaysia’ s agricultural sector.

BILATERAL TALKS: Malaysia and Turkmenistan are exploring new opportunities to expand agricultural trade.

IDLE LAND REUSE: This programme would benefit the elderly and unable farmers while the land is actively managed and cultivated.

THE Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security( MAFS) has expressed readiness to assist private companies interested in reviving abandoned rice fields across Malaysia.

Minister Mohamad Sabu said the initiative will involve rental agreements with landowners, allowing private firms to redevelop the land while ensuring that farmers continue to benefit.

“ This will indirectly benefit elderly rice farmers who are unable to cultivate their land, apart from reducing the number of abandoned rice fields,” he told Bernama during an inspection of a rice field reopening project in Pahang Tua.

“ There are also abandoned rice fields because many younger families have not continued their rice farming and have migrated to the city,” he added.

According to Mohamad, Malaysia has lost more than 20,000 hectares of padi fields, with some converted for housing or other developments and others left uncultivated.

In Pahang Tua, the PLS Group has signed an agreement to lease abandoned rice fields for redevelopment. The initiative covers 200 hectares and involves about 100 of the 548 local farmers.

Dr Hushaimi Ismail, PLS project supervisor, said the company has cleared around 200 hectares( 500 acres) of previously abandoned land since Chinese New Year, with 72 hectares( 180 acres) now actively under cultivation.

He explained that the six-year rental agreement allows farmers to retain their produce while improving the management of the rice fields.

Dr Hushaimi said:“ The project enables farmers to benefit from their land even if they cannot work it themselves, while allowing companies to maintain and revive abandoned plots.”

The programme forms part of MAFS’ s broader strategy to optimise rice production, address issues of idle land, and safeguard the country’ s food security.

By encouraging private sector participation, the ministry hopes to rejuvenate abandoned padi fields, support local farmers, and maintain sustainable agricultural practices in rural areas.- @ AGROBiz