KUALA KANGSAR: Collaboration between the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry (MAFI) and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) could yield new technologies that would strengthen the country's food security.
MAFI Minister Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee said the application of technology in the production of food such as the Internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) are important for the viability of future food supply.
"Even if a plot of land is small, the production of food is still possible by using the best technologies to grow vegetables and fruits.
"We are confident of moving towards modern agriculture with these ministries, as well as the involvement of state governments and the private sector which could indirectly reduce dependence on food imports.
"We have to reduce our food imports including rice, fruits and vegetables and should instead maximise available capacity to export our produce," he said after visiting the Kuala Kangsar Permanent Agro Market and the Agrofood Marketing Centre of the Federal Agricultural Authority (FAMA) in Manong.
Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Special Functions) and Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Mastura Mohd Yazid, state Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Razman Zakaria and FAMA director-general Datuk Zainal Abidin Yang Razalli.
Saarani said the state government was prepared to increase the number of agrofood centres in the state to improve the income of local residents. It has one in Manong, Kuala Kangsar.
"Agriculture needs new methods and technologies which do not require a large area. What is important is that the produce could be marketed by villagers. This is an important network to create food supply hubs and ensure sufficient food for security.
"We want to make Perak the largest food producer. I am confident it could be done as the Perak State Agricultural Development Corporation has carried out farming projects for young agro farmers," he said.
Mastura said the Manong centre was a hub for various agricultural products that had an impact on the community, especially youth keen to be involved in agriculture.
The Manong centre has various facilities under one roof, namely a training centre, sales and wholesale centre, agricultural site, cafeteria and hawker centre, Fresh Fruit Stalls and smart agriculture (aquaponics and vertical farming), fertigation agriculture project. — BERNAMA