PUTRAJAYA: The Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry welcomes the emphasis on food security, as shown in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), to increase the capacity of the agrofood sector as a sustainable, resilient and high-tech sector that can drive economic growth and improve people's wellbeing.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said food security assurance was a priority of the ministry for the next five years to improve national food security and had been aligned with the ministry's key policy documents: National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030 (NAP 2.0) and National Food Security Policy Action Plan (DSMN) 2021-2025.
Ronald said the agriculture sector was projected to grow by 3.8 per cent per annum during the 12MP period and contribute seven per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025.
In this regard, the agrofood sector growth target is expected at 4.5 per cent per annum during the 12MP, placing this sector among the major contributors to the GDP.
During the 12MP, the agriculture sector will be intensified using smart technologies to increase productivity and strengthen national food security across all agrofood sub-sectors.
These initiatives include adopting high-tech agricultural methods, including big data analysis, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and precision equipment, such as drones, robotics and sensors at the Permanent Food Production Park.
In addition, vertical and indoor smart farming methods will be expanded by leveraging land and derelict buildings.
Farmers will be encouraged to adopt organic farming practices to meet the growing demand for organic products.
In the fisheries sub-sector, cooperatives and associations will be encouraged to venture into deep sea and offshore fisheries using modern vessels and innovative equipment to increase yields and competitiveness, as well as promoting a sustainable fishing industry.
The livestock sector will be given focus to increase local meat production through good husbandry and modern farming practices.
"To encourage the modernisation of 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 technology related to the 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution).
"A smart agriculture fund will be created to accelerate the adoption of technology in the agricultural sector. The fund will provide opportunities for farmers, especially young agropreneurs, to modernise agricultural activities in the value chain to ensure food security," added Ronald.
The initiative will attract investment, create more jobs, produce more high value-added products and address food security and dependence on low-skilled foreign labour.
Farmers, cooperatives, associations as well as middle and downstream industries will be encouraged to use e-commerce platforms to boost the marketing of agricultural products.
"This will reduce our reliance on middlemen. The platform will open up opportunities for the outsourcing of plantation machinery and equipment services to fully use resources and achieve cost efficiency."
Workforce skills for youth will be boosted through curriculum revisions and training modules to create a competent workforce to meet current and future needs. To recognise trained and experienced farmers, a professional body will be established.
The ministry will continue to intensify the adoption of new technologies to boost this sector and accelerate the transformation of the agriculture sector into a modern, dynamic and competitive sector supported by research and development as outlined in the plan.
In addition, strategies and initiatives under NAP 2.0 and the DSMN will continue to be implemented to achieve food security level targets and comply with international food safety standards.
The ministry is committed to implementing all strategies outlined under the 12MP to achieve the targets set in reshaping the country's future in line with the goals of prosperity, inclusivity and sustainability in the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.