SERDANG: The government aims to secure Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) worth RM6 billion at this year's Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism Exhibition (Maha).
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu today said this target was among the ministry's key performance indicators set for Maha 2024, which marks its 100th year since it was first held in 1923.
"Apart from MoUs, we also aim to secure financial funding worth RM600 million or at least 4,000 applications, with direct sales valued at a minimum of RM40 million.
"I am confident we can achieve our food security goals and take the agricultural sector to a higher level with the commitment and cooperation of all parties."
He said this the launch of Maha 2024.
Maha, which runs from Sept 11 to 22, aims to serve as a platform for sharing agricultural technology, targeting an attendance of three million.
The exhibition will focus on the resilience of the food security sector and attracting youth interest in agriculture.
Mohamad said the ministry aimed to increase awareness about agricultural technology among farmers and entrepreneurs at the exhibition.
"Visitors and stakeholders will gain firsthand experience about innovative applications, such as smart farming, use of big data and automation that can be included in their operations.
"Maha will encourage sustainable farming practices."
He said the exhibition was expected to draw export agreements from countries like China.
"Next week, we will sign an agreement with China for the export of durians on the third day of Hari Raya Aidiladha.
"This is among our goals for international cooperation as the world has become a global village and we need to rely on other countries if we face issues in the food supply chain, and vice versa.
"More than 180 international companies have showed an interest in participating in Maha."