Agriculture and Food Security
Egg market reforms
Flooded fields crisis
November-December . 2024 | @ AGROBiz
Agriculture and Food Security
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Growing global ties
Malaysia wants to increase aquaculture production from 40 to 60 per cent
MA LAYSIA has highlighted its advancements in irrigation and drainage management to Bahrain , aiming to explore potential cooperation in water recycling technology to reduce agricultural production costs .
This discussion took place during a courtesy visit by Bahrain ’ s Ambassador , H . E . Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea , to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu at Menara Lembaga Pertubuhan Peladang ( LPP ), as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( MAFS ).
The ministry noted that collaboration in agricultural research between the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute ( MARDI ) and Bahrain ’ s research centres could support food security initiatives .
Additionally , Malaysia shared its goal to increase aquaculture production from 40 per cent to 60 per cent and expressed interest in benefiting from Bahrain ’ s expertise in large-scale sea aquaculture , with the potential to expand aquaculture efforts in Malaysian waters .
MAFS ’ s discussions with Bahrain also touched on expanding market access for Malaysian products in Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) countries .
In a separate statement , MAFS noted that its Deputy Minister , Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup , welcomed a courtesy call from Ray Smith , Director General of New Zealand ’ s Ministry for Primary Industries ( MPI ).
The two leaders discussed follow-up actions in agricultural trade and food security , furthering talks initiated during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon ’ s official visit to Malaysia .
The discussions included finalising procedures for pineapple exports and increasing access to Malaysian products such as edible bird ’ s nests , animal feed , and fresh durian .
Moreover , New Zealand is a significant agricultural trade partner for Malaysia , with bilateral agreements like the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement ( MNZFTA ) supporting a RM5 billion trade value last year .
Egg market reforms
THE Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( MAFS ) is considering ending the subsidy for chicken eggs in grades A , B , and C , according to Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu .
He noted that the proposal to end the subsidy aims to save approximately RM100 million per month , which could be redirected to bolster other areas within the agro-food sector .
The proposal has already been submitted to the Finance Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry .
Speaking at MAFS ’ s monthly assembly , Mohamad highlighted the substantial costs incurred since February 2022 , with over RM3 billion spent on subsidies for chicken and eggs .
The chicken subsidy was previously removed on Nov 1 , 2023 , leading to a more stabilised supply and price .
Mohamad addressed earlier scepticism about this decision , saying : “ After the subsidy was terminated , the price of chicken no longer soared , and more importantly , the country benefited by saving RM100 million a month .”
Flooded fields crisis
AGRICULTURE and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu reported that recent floods have damaged over 5,800 hectares of rice crops across northern Malaysia , resulting in losses estimated at RM32 million .
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( MAFS ) is prepared to assist affected farmers , livestock breeders , and fishermen with post-disaster aid . Rice farmers will receive support through the Paddy Crop Disaster Fund ( TBTP ), while other agro-food stakeholders can access relief via the Agricultural Disaster Fund ( TBP ).
AgroBank has introduced a payment moratorium for flood-affected clients , allowing farmers , breeders , fishermen , and entrepreneurs to apply for this assistance at local branches .
Mohamad said : “ The Ministry ’ s disaster operations rooms at both district and state levels are actively monitoring weather conditions , issuing early alerts to those at risk , and executing plans to minimise losses in the agro-food sector .”
The Ministry has also directed MAFS Inc . to maintain coordination with District and State Disaster Management Committees ( JPBD & JPBN ), ensuring that timely updates reach vulnerable groups in flood-prone areas .
Additionally , the Ministry is ready to deploy resources for flood rescue operations , pending approval from the National Disaster Management Agency ( NADMA ).
Idle fields , fresh yields
To address Malaysia ’ s rice self-sufficiency ratio ( SSR ) challenges , the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( MAFS ) is prioritising the redevelopment of idle paddy fields across Negeri Sembilan , Melaka , and Johor .
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu revealed that several underutilised paddy fields have been identified for this initiative .
“ Last year , the SSR was only 56.2 per cent , requiring continued rice imports . We must ask ourselves : what if countries stop exporting rice to us one day ?” Mohamad remarked , citing global instability , including geopolitical tensions and erratic weather , as key concerns that make securing local production even more critical .
He attributed the abundance of idle paddy fields to rural-urban migration and the decreasing interest in paddy farming among younger generations .
In another matter , Mohamad confirmed that MAFS would cooperate fully with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission ( MACC ) regarding their investigation into the National Farmers ’ Organisation ( NAFAS ).
He assured the public that NAFAS would continue to function under a team of experienced administrators during this period .
The investigation , launched by MACC on Oct 29 , centres around irregularities linked to the paddy fertiliser supply project . Following this , NAFAS ’ constitution was suspended on November 1 to improve its governance and management .– @ AGROBiz