@ AGROBiz | May-June. 2026

TECHNOLOGY TAKES ROOT: Chan Foong Hin officiates the opening of AgTech International Agro Expo 2026 at Setia City Convention Centre, highlighting the role of innovation in strengthening Malaysia ' s agriculture sector.

• Malaysia ' s agriculture sector is facing rising pressure from higher input costs, labour shortages and global supply disruptions, pushing technology to the forefront of production planning.

• Government support measures continue to cushion immediate cost pressures, but long-term resilience is expected to depend on wider technology adoption.

• AgTech International Agro Expo 2026 has highlighted practical, commercially viable solutions to improve productivity and reduce operational inefficiencies.

Rising production costs, labour shortages, climate uncertainty, and disruptions to global supply chains are placing increasing pressure on the industry, prompting a renewed focus on technology as a practical tool to improve productivity and strengthen food security.

That growing emphasis on innovation formed the backdrop to the AgTech International Agro Expo 2026, where conversations around farming increasingly centred on a simple question: how can technology make

“ The future of agriculture will depend greatly on our ability to embrace innovation and translate technology into practical solutions that create value for farmers, agribusinesses and consumers alike.”

-Datuk Chan Foong Hin

day-to-day operations more manageable, not more complicated?

Officially opened by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam, the three-day exhibition showcased technologies and ideas to help producers respond to the realities of modern farming.

In his opening address, Chan described agriculture as one of the country ' s most important economic pillars, supporting livelihoods, creating business opportunities and ensuring a stable food supply. Yet, he noted that the sector was now operating in a far more challenging environment than before.

Alongside climate change, resource constraints and changing consumer expectations, he pointed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as another factor affecting agricultural production worldwide.

PRESSURE POINTS

Disruptions to fuel supplies, shipping routes and input markets had contributed to higher operating costs, placing additional strain on producers across many countries, including Malaysia.

Although domestic fertiliser prices had remained relatively stable compared with global markets, they had nevertheless risen noticeably. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture showed that urea prices increased by 28.8 per cent while muriate of potash rose by 21.7 per cent compared with the average recorded between January and March this year.

Recognising these pressures, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security continued to monitor supply conditions while diversifying import sources and maintaining the stability of agricultural inputs.

The government has also introduced