08 Cover Story @ AGROBiz | September-October . 2024
08 Cover Story @ AGROBiz | September-October . 2024
Driving growth
Ancom Crop Care is driving sustainable agricultural growth by delivering efficient solutions to modern agricultural challenges
IMAGES BY MALAY MAIL
BY ADELINE ANTHONY ALPHONSO
AS the global agriculture industry embraces modern technology and sustainable practices , Malaysia ’ s agrochemical sector is following suit , with key players leading the charge .
Among them is Ancom Crop Care ( ACC ), a subsidiary of Ancom Nylex Bhd .
ACC has become a significant contributor to both local and international agricultural industries , delivering vital crop protection products to over 40 countries .
ACC was established as part of Ancom Nylex Bhd ’ s mission to develop Southeast Asia ’ s agricultural chemical industry .
Since its early days in 1969 , ACC has expanded its operations , manufacturing , and formulating a wide range of herbicides , pesticides , and fungicides while maintaining production sites in Shah Alam and Port Klang .
Over the years , ACC has grown into the sole producer of agrichemical active ingredients in Southeast Asia and one of the largest in the Asia-Pacific region .
With products that include MSMA , Glyphosate , and 2,4D ACC not only serves the domestic market but has also become a global exporter , servicing countries across Southeast Asia , the USA , Latin America , Africa , and Oceania .
The company also boasts subsidiaries like Timber Preservatives Sdn Bhd , which produces key intermediates for wood preservatives , and Vanguard Express Sdn Bhd , an integrated logistics provider established to support ACC ’ s international trading activities .
LEADERSHIP BUILT ON EXPERIENCE
With over four decades of experience at the company , ACC ’ s Chief Operating Officer , Anthony Tan Swee Hock , has a deep understanding of both the industry and the company ’ s trajectory .
His extensive experience now drives ACC ’ s focus on Malaysia and Southeast Asia while other members of the leadership team handle the
MOU signing during MAHA 2024 with Madacorp Chairman Mohd Asmirul Anuar Aris ( centre ) and Sinoquick China Sales Director Ken Wen ( left ).
company ’ s global operations .
Tan ’ s leadership is also informed by his academic background , with his master ’ s thesis focused on combating illegal pesticides , an issue that remains a key challenge in the industry today .
ADDRESSING CHALLENGES
According to Tan , one of the ongoing obstacles facing the agrochemical industry is the prevalence of illegal and adulterated pesticides .
These products are often imported illegally from countries like China and Thailand or altered locally , presenting significant risks to both the industry and consumers .
“ Illegal and adulterated pesticides make up about 10 per cent of the market , with their value growing to around RM100 million today ,” Tan explained .
These products undermine the legitimate market and create potential hazards for farmers and crops . ACC has been proactive in reporting suspicious activities to the pesticide board , though enforcement remains challenging .
PRECISION FARMING
ACC ’ s core mission centres around supporting sustainable and responsible agricultural practices . Moreover , ACC has embraced modern technologies like precision farming to assist farmers in making more innovative , cost-effective decisions .
Precision agriculture ( PA ) is a novel idea that has gained global acceptance as a means to improve crop yields with less human effort and better control over watering and fertiliser applications .
By utilising cutting-edge sensor and analysis technologies , PA aims to boost agricultural yields and aid in management decision-making .
ACC also offers software tools such as Skyfld , Plantix , and CropX , which provide real-time insights into pest management and nutrient deficiencies .
“ Farmers can use our Plantix app to take photos of pests or diseases and receive recommendations within seconds .
“ With this technology , farmers can save both time and money by using the right products at the right time ,” Tan noted .
In addition to serving farmers
Anthony Tan with plantation staff and workers in Miri , Sarawak .
Anthony Tan Swee Hock
directly , ACC ’ s technologies are designed to improve overall agricultural efficiency , ensuring that crops are healthier and yields are optimised .
INVESTMENTS OF THE FUTURE
Beyond precision farming , ACC is investing in other cutting-edge technologies to enhance Malaysia ’ s agricultural sector .
The company has developed inhouse analytics software tailored for oil palm plantations aimed at reducing production costs for plantation companies in Malaysia and Indonesia . This software is also being used by some of the top five oil palm plantations in Indonesia .
Tan explained : “ We ’ re one of the few companies in Malaysia to design analytics software for oil palm plantations .
“ Reducing costs in the field directly improves profitability , and that ’ s something we ’ re very focused on .”
This forward-thinking approach highlights ACC ’ s commitment to innovation , not just in product development but also in providing technology-driven solutions to its clients .
SUSTAINABILITY VISION AND COMMITMENT
As the agricultural sector evolves , ACC is positioned to be a key stakeholder , contributing to the growth of more efficient and environmentally responsible farming practices .
The company continues to invest in research to develop agrochemical solutions with improved environmental profiles , such as herbicides that reduce water use and support biodiversity .
“ ACC ’ s long-term goals are aligned with Malaysia ’ s focus on sustainability and food security .
“ We see ourselves as a long-term partner in Malaysia ’ s agricultural sector , helping to drive sustainability and efficiency into the future ,” Tan concluded .