The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI) welcomes the emphasis on food security which has been given due priority in the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP). Approved without amendment in the Dewan Rakyat on 7 October 2021, this goal aims to enhance the capacity of agro food towards becoming a more sustainable, resilient and high tech sector to drive economic growth, improve the nation’s well-being and prioritize the country’s food security.
According to Dr. Ronald Kiandee, the food security assurance element is a priority of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry for the next five years in an effort to improve national food availability and has been aligned in the Ministry’s key policy documents namely National Agro-Food Policy 2021-2030 (DAN 2.0) and Food Security Policy Action Plan State (DSMN) 2021-2025.
Dr Ronald said, overall, the agriculture sector is projected to grow by 3.8% per annum during the 12th Plan period and contribute 7% to GDP in 2025. In this regard, the agro food sector growth target is expected to grow at 4.5% per annum during the 12th Plan period. The 12MP will place this sector among the major contributors to the country’s GDP.
During the implementation period of the 12MP, the agriculture sector will be intensified by using smart technologies to increase productivity and strengthen the level of national food security across all agro food sub-sectors. These initiatives include adopting high -tech agricultural methods including big data analysis (BDA), artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) as well as precision equipment such as drones, robotics and sensors at the Permanent Food Production Park (TKPM). In addition, vertical and indoor smart farming methods will be expanded by leveraging existing land and derelict buildings.
Going forward, farmers will be encouraged to adopt organic farming practices to meet the growing demand for organic products and generate higher incomes. Meanwhile, for fisheries, cooperatives and associations will be encouraged to venture into deep sea and offshore fisheries activities by using modern vessels and innovative equipment to increase yields and competitiveness as well as promote sustainable fishing. Additionally, the livestock sector will also be given focus with the aim of increasing local meat production and food security through technologically efficient farming practices.
Dr. Ronald adds that to encourage modernization in the agricultural sector, new financing mechanisms and incentive structures will be introduced to accelerate the development of high -potential industries, especially for the adoption of 4IR technology. A dedicated smart agriculture fund will be created to accelerate the adoption of modern technology in the agricultural sector. The fund will provide opportunities for farmers, especially young agropreneurs to modernize agricultural activities along the value chain to ensure food security.
The initiative will also attract quality investments, create more jobs and produce more high value -added products. It will also address issues of food security and dependence on low -skilled foreign labor.
In addition, farmers, cooperatives, associations as well as middle and downstream industries will also be encouraged to utilize e-commerce platforms to enhance the marketing of agricultural products. This will reduce excessive reliance on middlemen. The platform will also open up opportunities for outsourcing of plantation machinery and equipment services to fully utilize resources and achieve cost efficiency.
As such, workforce skills will be enhanced, involving youth through curriculum revisions and training modules to produce a competent workforce to meet current and future needs. Furthermore, to recognize trained and experienced farmers, a professional body will be established.
The Ministry will also continue to intensify adoption of modern and new technologies in the agricultural sector to catalyse growth as well as accelerate transformation of the sector towards a modern, dynamic and competitive playing field supported by broader R & D & C & I as outlined in the 12MP. In addition, strategies and initiatives under DAN 2.0 and the DSMN will also continue to be implemented to achieve food security targets and comply with international food safety standards. MAFI is committed to implementing all the strategies outlined under the 12MP to achieve targets set in reshaping the country’s future in line with the goals of prosperity, inclusivity and sustainability in the Vision for Shared Prosperit
