More livestock farmers adopt smart farming tech
This call comes as the livestock industry actively embraces modern practices and smart farming technologies to overcome persistent challenges.
Outgoing president Dr Terry Tan Chee Hee noted a significant shift in the industry, with farmers across the country stepping up efforts to improve on-farm biosecurity and adopt advanced systems.
'Many are controlling farm access more strictly, enhancing sanitation and investing in disease surveillance.
'Structured vaccination programmes are also gaining ground as we work to strengthen animal health.'
He said there was a gradual shift in mindset as more farmers were embracing structured farm management systems, digital record-keeping and long-term planning.
'There is also increasing attention on closed-house systems and smart farming technologies,' he added during the association's annual dinner in Bukit Mertajam.
Despite these measures, Tan emphasised that the industry continued to face multiple challenges, including disease outbreaks and rising feed costs.
'The ongoing threat of African Swine Fever continues to cause significant economic strain for many businesses, especially smaller farms, and the path to recovery has not been easy.
'For the poultry sector, disease threats remain a serious concern.
'They have resulted in ongoing losses and considerable stress for our farmers,' he highlighted.
Tan said that the industry has fortunately remained free of the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak.
'This underscores the importance of strong biosecurity practices, not just in times of crises, but as a daily commitment across the entire supply chain.
'We acknowledge and thank the farmers, veterinarians and relevant authorities who play a key role in safeguarding our industry,' he added.
However, Tan said continuous support and partnership with the government remained essential, especially in the areas of financing, knowledge sharing, and legalisation.
'Many farmers want to modernise. But for most, capital investment remains one of the biggest hurdles.
'More accessible funding opportunities, be it through grants, soft loans or targeted incentives, would empower farmers to invest in long-term improvements,' he said.
Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Chan Foong Hin, who was present, said the Government was stepping up efforts to support the livestock industry by promoting local feed alternatives.
He said the industry's challenges included rising input costs due to heavy reliance on imported feed.
'Our industry is exposed to supply and price uncertainties, which in turn undermines the competitiveness of local farmers.
'We must intensify efforts to explore local alternatives and innovations in animal feed.
'Through the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, we have been conducting research and development on palm-based feed, using raw materials such as empty fruit bunches and palm kernel expeller.
'These products can be processed into nutritionally balanced pellets for cattle, goats and poultry,' said Chan.
He added that during a recent engagement, FLFAM and industry experts agreed to explore the use of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) derived from palm kernels as animal feed additives.
Among the Government's support is the RM100mil allocated this year for the implementation of the Oil Palm Smallholder Replanting Scheme, offering financing incentives for oil palm replanting activities.
Chan said the scheme was expected to benefit 1,500 private smallholder oil palm farmers with 5,900ha targeted for replanting.
The dinner was jointly organised by the FLFAM and the Penang and Province Wellesley Farmers Association.
With some 500 guests gathered in a show of solidarity and support for the livestock industry, the event successfully raised RM1.045mil in contributions from various organisations and individuals across the country.
The evening also saw the oath-taking ceremony of FLFAM's central committee members for the 2025 to 2027 term, led by the federation's new president Sim Zhi Zhan.
Also present were Penang agrotechnology, food security and cooperative development committee chairman Fahmi Zainol, Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik and Penang Veterinary Department director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab.
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