LOCAL NEWS
May-June. 2025 | @ AGROBiz
LOCAL NEWS
05
Kenaf and beyond
MALAYSIA is being urged to seriously consider non-traditional crops, such as kenaf, napier grass, and seaweed, as promising new contributors to the nation’ s agricultural sector, according to insights from the 2024 Interim Agricultural Census released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia( DOSM).
The report, unveiled during a special launch in Serdang, highlighted that these underutilised crops are already showing solid production numbers and could play a bigger role in the national agroeconomy with the proper support mechanisms in place.
According to Chief Statistician Datuk Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, kenaf is currently planted across 1,497 hectares, yielding 9,916.1 tonnes, while Napier grass, often used as animal fodder, spans 1,387.7 hectares with an output of 35,687 tonnes.
“ These industries possess a great potential in terms of value addition, exports, and the production of downstream products, where the supply chain needs to be strengthened to drive the growth of this segment,” he said in a statement.
Uzir also highlighted the challenges faced by some of Malaysia’ s traditional plantation crops, such as coconuts, cocoa, and coffee, noting a decline in planted areas, productivity, and the number of active entrepreneurs in those segments.
Still, he emphasised that these crops have not lost their value.
Uzir mentioned:“ The recovery of this industry can be achieved through mechanisation and modernisation of farms to change the perception that coconuts are a traditional crop to a profitable one.”
He added that although cocoa is no longer a major export and coffee farming has declined, niche market demand remains strong— especially for high-quality, locally grown coffee, which continues to attract global attention.
EMERGING CROPS: Kenaf fields are ready for harvest, reflecting its rising value as a fibre-rich industrial crop.( Photo by BERNAMA)
The census also reviewed performance in the capture fisheries sector, identifying Kedah and Penang as dominant contributors on the northwest coast. These states are key landing hubs for deep-sea and pelagic fish such as kembung( mackerel), selar( scad) and tongkol( skipjack), which are central to Malaysia’ s domestic seafood supply and exports.
DOSM also reported that, of all individual agricultural holdings nationwide, 74.7 per cent were held by men( 753,139 individuals), while women made up 25.3 per cent( 255,690 individuals).
Looking ahead, Uzir said a series of stakeholder consultation sessions will be held to examine the census data in greater depth.
“ This session will serve as a platform to discuss related agricultural issues, including food security, and it is hoped that all parties can fully utilise agricultural statistics in decision-making and contribute to the sustainable and competitive growth of the agricultural sector,” he said.
Global lessons for Sarawak
AGRO STRATEGIES: Tropical conditions once ideal for rice now face disruption, prompting a search for new strategies
WITH climate change increasingly disrupting farming activities, Sarawak is seeking solutions from outside.
The State is adopting international best practices to protect its agricultural sector from further climate-related damage.
State Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional
Development, Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said Sarawak must not work in isolation but instead take lessons from countries that have made meaningful progress in adapting to environmental challenges in agriculture.
“ We need to engage in global networking and learn from what other nations have done successfully, particularly those in tropical and equatorial zones,” Stephen said during a press conference following his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.
Stephen pointed to nations like Brazil, China, and India— all of which have introduced agricultural strategies to address the unpredictability of weather, pests, and disease outbreaks that come with a shifting climate.
He noted that Sarawak is already experiencing the consequences of climate change, with unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters such as floods affecting many farming communities.
He said:“ Like it or not, we will be affected by the changing climate. That is climate change. Of course, diseases, viruses, pests and so on will also affect( the agriculture sector).”
While acknowledging that climate change cannot be controlled entirely, Stephen emphasised the importance of preparedness and collaboration. By tapping into global knowledge networks and adapting proven methods to local conditions, Sarawak aims to develop a more resilient agricultural system.
His remarks come amid growing concerns among farmers in the region, who have reported increased crop loss, soil degradation, and shifting growing seasons in recent years.
The ministry is expected to hold further discussions with global agricultural bodies and research institutions to bring in technology and practices that can help safeguard Sarawak’ s food systems in the long term.- @ AGROBiz