AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY
May-June. 2026 | @ AGROBiz
AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY
17
Bilateral relations & trade
• Malaysia and Brazil discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and food security.
• NAFAS Bajakimia launched a fertiliser guidebook to improve commodity crop productivity and farming practices.
• The Agro MADANI Farmers Festival provided a platform for product showcases, promotions and community engagement.
BUILDING A STRATEGIC COLLABORATION: The proposed cooperation areas include corn, coconut, soybean and sorghum research.
BRAZIL’ S expertise in large-scale agriculture and aquaculture development could open new opportunities for Malaysia as both countries deepen cooperation in research, technology transfer, and agri-food trade.
The potential collaboration was among the key matters discussed during a meeting between Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Brazilian Ambassador to Malaysia Daniella Ortega de Paiva Menezes in Putrajaya on May 19.
The discussions reflected growing interest from both countries to expand cooperation beyond traditional trade, particularly in agricultural innovation, fisheries development and food security initiatives.
One of the main focus areas involved collaboration between the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute( MARDI) and Brazil’ s Agricultural Research Corporation( EMBRAPA), two institutions expected to play a central role in advancing joint agricultural research.
Both parties are currently moving towards finalising a Memorandum of Understanding( MoU) following the earlier signing of a Letter of Intent( LOI), with proposed research cooperation involving crops such as corn, coconut, soybean and sorghum.
EXPANDING AGRO COOPERATION
The collaboration is also expected to include technical knowledge exchange between researchers and agricultural experts from both countries.
Malaysia sees the partnership as an opportunity to strengthen local
Practical farming guide agricultural capabilities through exposure to Brazil’ s expertise in crop development and large-scale farming systems.
The meeting additionally explored the possibility of expanding bilateral agricultural trade, including the entry of Brazilian fruits into the Malaysian market.
Export protocols for Brazilian apples are expected to be concluded soon, paving the way for broader discussions on other produce, such as yellow watermelon.
At the same time, fisheries and aquaculture development emerged as another potential growth area under Malaysia-Brazil cooperation.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Both countries discussed technology transfer initiatives and technical training programmes involving the Brazilian Cooperation Agency and
Malaysia’ s Department of Fisheries( DOF), particularly in the area of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture systems.
The initiative was viewed as part of Malaysia’ s efforts to strengthen a more sustainable and technologydriven aquaculture industry capable of improving long-term food supply resilience.
Agricultural trade between Malaysia and Brazil totalled RM6.53 billion as of Dec 2025, with Malaysia exporting processed food and other food-based products, while imports from Brazil largely consisted of sugar, sugar-related products and honey.
During the meeting, Mohamad also welcomed Brazil’ s participation in the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition( MAHA) 2026, which is scheduled to take place from Aug 2 to Sept 6 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang( MAEPS).
NAFAS Bajakimia Sdn. Bhd.( NBKSB) has introduced a new practical guidebook aimed at strengthening fertilisation practices among Malaysia’ s farming community, as part of ongoing efforts to improve the productivity of commodity crops.
The publication, titled“ Buku Panduan Pembajaan Tanaman Komoditi dengan Baja PELADANG”, was launched in Muar during the Agro MADANI Farmers Festival at NAFAS Mall, which ran from May 16-17.
Designed as an easy-to-use reference, the guidebook is intended to support farmers, agropreneurs and industry players in applying more effective fertilisation methods to enhance crop yields and improve overall farm management.
NBKSB chief executive officer Zalifudin Md Arshad said the initiative was developed to simplify technical knowledge and make it more accessible to those working directly in the field.
“ The launch of this book is a strategic initiative by NBKSB to strengthen efforts in knowledge transfer to farmers, agropreneurs and agricultural industry players,” he said in a statement.
The book was launched by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin, in conjunction with the festival, which brought together farmers, distributors, industry partners and representatives from the National Farmers’ Organisation( NAFAS).
NBKSB, a wholly owned subsidiary of NAFAS, developed the guidebook in collaboration with the Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA( UiTM) Melaka Branch, Jasin Campus, which served as its academic and technical partner.
The cooperation aims to bridge research-based agricultural knowledge with practical field applications, particularly in fertiliser management
BOOK LAUNCH: Chan Foong Hin( Centre) launching the Buku Panduan Pembajaan Tanaman Komoditi dengan Baja PELADANG at the Agro MADANI Farmers Festival in Muar.( Photo by: NBKSB)
and nutrient efficiency.
Alongside the launch, NBKSB also showcased its PELADANG fertiliser range, which features Nutrient Uptake Enhancer( NUE) technology designed to improve nutrient absorption in crops.
The company also ran promotional activities and special sales for both its fertiliser products and the newly launched guidebook throughout the festival.
The Agro MADANI Farmers Festival featured a mix of exhibitions, sales activities and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at strengthening engagement within the farming community and improving awareness of modern agricultural practices.
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