THE Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) is in the final two weeks of the Agriculture Census 2024 to collect data on the agriculture, livestock, capture fisheries, aquaculture, forestry and logging sectors.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the data would be used to formulate short- and long-term policies and programmes that would benefit these sectors.
"The data gathered will offer significant benefits to various stakeholders, and guide future development, as well as refine existing programmes and make informed improvements.
"The data will also be used to enhance food security and productivity, subsequently promoting sustainable agriculture," he said during a recent visit to a shrimp farm run by Global Goodway (M) Sdn Bhd (Sg Nipah Farm) in Simpang Lima, Sungai Besar.
Uzir was briefed on the shrimp-breeding process at the farm, which has 24 ponds on a 28.3ha site.
Managed by Datuk Adam Omar and Saw Kong Beng since 2004, the company also has a 44.9ha farm with 34 ponds in Penang.
Most of the company's shrimp are for export, particularly to South Korea and Taiwan, but some are sold locally.
Uzir said as of Sept 21, 86.2 per cent of the Agriculture Census 2024 had been completed.
He said census takers had visited 1.02 million out of 1.18 million agriculture residences and 16,920 out of 19,753 companies.
Uzir said census takers had visited 83.4 per cent of the 67,727 residential locations and 2,071 potential agricultural organisations in Selangor.
"The census takers had visited 56,197 agricultural residential locations (83 per cent) and 1,659 agricultural organisations (80.1 per cent).
"Most of these were in the Hulu Selangor and Hulu Langat districts, which was possible due to the cooperation and commitment of all parties, especially farmers and local agencies," he said.
He said efforts have been implemented to ensure the success of the census, including educating the community, engaging with local leaders and agencies, and ensuring no farmer was left out.
Uzir urged farmers and agriculture organisations to provide accurate and complete information to census takers.
"Accurate and comprehensive agricultural census data can provide real-time, comprehensive statistics that are beneficial to all stakeholders."
The Agriculture Census 2024 was launched on July 4 by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
It is the country's fourth such census, with the last one held in 2005.
Around 1.3 million households nationwide are expected to be surveyed by 5,000 enumerators in the census, which started on July 7 and runs until Oct 10.
Uzir said data collected so far showed that many inherited agricultural lands were neglected.
"Based on information from the field, some owners take a long time to decide on developing their land for agriculture, with one of the reasons being that they have other jobs.
"We hope they will seize the opportunity to invest in agriculture, such as aquaculture and crops, which can yield higher income with the right techniques compared with passive savings," he said.
He added that landowners should explore agricultural ventures that could enhance their financial stability while contributing to the nation's food supply.
"Modern agriculture techniques and technologies can significantly increase productivity. By adopting best practices in farming and aquaculture, landowners can transform neglected lands into productive enterprises.
"This shift not only benefits landowners but also supports local economies and promotes sustainable agricultural practices."
Uzir said agricultural data should be collected more frequently, such as on a monthly and quarterly basis.
"In the Agricultural Census Committee meeting, we agreed to work with the relevant agencies to conduct studies and follow-up action on production and agricultural yield valuation.
"To do so requires close cooperation, as agriculture includes a wide range of activities, such as crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries.
If possible, we aim to obtain accurate data of the current situation," he said.
Uzir also visited the Matag Coconut Farm in Kampung Sungai Tengar, operated by Azli Suradi since 2020.
Azli, who is a retired teacher, shared his experience in managing the 2.02ha Matag coconut farm and the challenges of agriculture.
Uzir also visited the SGG Coconut Farm in Kampung Tebuk Jawa, Sabak Bernam, operated by Mazlan Abd Rahman since 2015.
The Agriculture Census 2024 would establish a new baseline, offering timely and reliable statistics for the planning of the country's agricultural sector.
The census collects information on farmer profiles, production data, costs of agricultural inputs like fertilisers, seeds and pesticides, access to markets, financing, labour use and agricultural practices.
More information about the Agriculture Census 2024 can be found on this website and the Agriculture Census 2024 Facebook page.