By Mahathir Hj Mohd Rais, Bersatu Federal Territories information chief
Facing urgent food security challenges, a more structured and visionary approach is essential. Statistics reveal an increasing reliance on importing livestock products, including chickens and eggs, with over 30% of the country’s animal protein needs met through imports. This situation highlights the existing vulnerabilities and the urgent need to strengthen the domestic chicken farming sector.
With the population projected to reach about 35 million by 2030, the demand for poultry products will inevitably rise. Thus, developing the domestic chicken farming industry is not only crucial for sustainability but also essential in fulfilling the population’s needs.
Learning from neighboring countries like Singapore, which have succeeded in reducing their dependency on food imports, can be beneficial. Achieving this can be made possible by enhancing agricultural and poultry farming technologies, improving productivity and skills, and thereby positioning the nation as a formidable exporter of poultry products.
Previously reliant on imports for nearly 70% of its egg supply, Singapore is now channeling resources into developing four local poultry egg farms, aiming for 50% self-sufficiency.
Observing Singapore’s success, with fertile land and a wealth of graduates skilled in poultry farming, the country is in a strategic position to adopt a similar model. Advancing the domestic chicken farming industry will not only diminish reliance on imported breeding chickens or parent stock (PS), particularly from the European Union (EU) and the United States, but also reinforce the local economy.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. Providing funding alone is insufficient; it is imperative to offer supportive infrastructure, education, and opportunities to facilitate industry growth. Empowering young graduates and backing startups in poultry farming are critical for catalyzing innovation and expansion.
Supporting graduates in poultry farming, coupled with providing opportunities and grants, can propel the growth of this sector. This initiative extends beyond satisfying domestic demands to creating employment opportunities, enhancing local workforce skills, and ultimately fortifying the national economy.
Given its rich agricultural land and a pool of talented graduates in poultry farming, the nation is well-positioned to develop its chicken farming industry, reducing import dependence and boosting the local economy.
