Latest news with #AgricultureCensus
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah records highest agricultural holdings in Malaysia
SOOK: The interim report of the 2024 Agriculture Census shows that Sabah recorded the highest number of agricultural holdings in Malaysia, with a total of 159,259. Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the agricultural holdings refer to the number of individuals or organisations engaged in the agricultural sector, with Sabah's interior zone, comprising the districts of Keningau, Sook, Nabawan, Tambunan and Tenom, accounting for 26 per cent of the state's total agricultural holdings. "This number is expected to increase further given the vast potential of undeveloped agricultural land in the interior areas," he said when launching the Road to National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day (HPPNK) 2025 Series 2 here today. In response to this development, he said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, through its various agencies, has stepped up efforts to boost the agricultural sector in the interior areas. "These efforts include the establishment of the Sook Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK); setting up a coffee processing facility in Sapulut, Nabawan; restoring padi fields in Tulid; and cultivating taro and onions in Sook. "We are also working to introduce high market-potential crops such as MD2 pineapples," he said. Arthur said the federal government, together with the state government, remains committed to strengthening the agricultural sector through policy planning, technical support programmes and rural infrastructure investments to continuously enhance agri-food productivity. "As the lead agency for agri-food marketing services in the country, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) plays a key role in strengthening the agri-food security chain by focusing on accessibility and affordability for consumers, supply availability, as well as usage stability and sustainability," he said. He said that last year, Sabah Fama was allocated RM13.8 million for the implementation of 313 projects and programmes, benefiting over 29,000 entrepreneurs and contributing to sales worth RM83 million. "With the upgrading of tamu (rural markets), strengthening of retail outlet networks, and strategic engagement with farmers and operators at the grassroots level, Fama is confident that Sabah can become one of the key pillars in the national food security agenda," he added. Commenting on the Road to HPPNK 2025 programme, he said it serves as a platform to recognise the contributions and roles of farmers, breeders and fishermen in developing the national agri-food sector. "HPPNK held here in Sook is our final series before the national-level HPPNK 2025, which is scheduled to take place from Aug 1 to 3 in Kota Kinabalu. "This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate 50 years of HPPNK. "What makes it even more special is that the national-level HPPNK celebration returns to Sabah after 30 years. "The last time Sabah hosted the event was in 1995," he said. – Bernama
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah leads Malaysia in agricultural holdings with 159,259 farms
SOOK: Sabah has emerged as the state with the highest number of agricultural holdings in Malaysia, recording 159,259 farms according to the 2024 Agriculture Census interim report. Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup highlighted that the interior zone—comprising Keningau, Sook, Nabawan, Tambunan, and Tenom—accounts for 26% of the state's total agricultural activity. 'The number is expected to rise given the vast potential of undeveloped land in these areas,' he said during the launch of the Road to National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day (HPPNK) 2025 Series 2. To support growth, the ministry has introduced initiatives such as the Sook Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK), a coffee processing facility in Sapulut, and high-value crop cultivation like MD2 pineapples. Arthur emphasized the federal and state governments' commitment to strengthening agriculture through policy planning, technical support, and infrastructure investments. The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) has been pivotal, with Sabah FAMA receiving RM13.8 million in 2024 for 313 projects, benefiting 29,000 entrepreneurs and generating RM83 million in sales. The upcoming national-level HPPNK 2025 in Kota Kinabalu marks 50 years of the event, with Sabah hosting for the first time in three decades. 'This celebration recognises the vital role of farmers, breeders, and fishermen in national food security,' Arthur added. - Bernama
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah No 1 agricultural sector contributor
Published on: Thursday, July 17, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 17, 2025 Text Size: Dr Jeffrey said of the total, the crop subsector accounted for the highest number of holdings at 140,018, followed by capture fisheries (14,903), livestock (2,242), aquaculture (2,164) and forestry and logging (162). Kota Kinabalu: Sabah recorded the highest number of agricultural holdings in Malaysia, with a total of 159,259, continuing its position as one of the country's top contributors to the agricultural sector. Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan said of the total, the crop subsector accounted for the highest number of holdings at 140,018, followed by capture fisheries (14,903), livestock (2,242), aquaculture (2,164) and forestry and logging (162). Advertisement 'The State contributes 17.4 per cent of the total crop subsector sales value, placing it among the top four states nationally. 'Sabah is also ranked in the top three states for capture fisheries (13.8 per cent) and for forestry and logging (19.6 per cent),' he said during the launch of the Sabah State Interim Report of the 2024 Agriculture Census on Tuesday. Jeffrey, who is also State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, added that the 2024 Agriculture Census data revealed that more than 70 per cent of the State's agricultural holdings are operated by individuals aged 46 and above. He said about 35 per cent of individual holders reported having no formal qualifications or certifications, offering a clear profile of the current farming community in Sabah. 'This report not only provides a comprehensive overview of the current agricultural landscape but also serves as a vital foundation in formulating impactful policies and strategies,' he said. In 2023, Sabah recorded a total planted area of 1.782 million hectares, with the majority cultivated by agricultural organisations. 'This reflects the significant role of organisations and companies in shaping the State's agricultural landscape, which is dominated by commodity crops, particularly oil palm. 'Of the total planted area, 1.574 million hectares or 88.3 per cent were harvested areas,' he said. Chief Statistician of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, said in addition to conducting the Agriculture Census every 10 years to strengthen the national agricultural statistics system, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) will introduce a short-term agricultural survey in 2026 to ensure the data remains relevant and responsive to current trends. 'Following the 2024 Agriculture Census, DOSM has developed an integrated agriculture statistics system portal known as TaniStats,' he said. According to the census report, Keningau recorded the highest number of individual agricultural holders in Sabah with 14,100, followed by Ranau (12,862) and Kota Marudu (12,627). In terms of sales value, Kinabatangan topped the list with RM4.15 billion, followed by Tawau (RM3.93 billion) and Lahad Datu (RM3.50 billion). * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dr Rundi: Open data, information-based strategies crucial for Sarawak agriculture growth:
Dr Rundi (centre) places his palm on the launching gimmick device while Martin (second left), Mohd Uzir (second right) and others look on. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 9): A more open data ecosystem and information-based strategies are crucial to driving the growth of Sarawak's agriculture sector in Sarawak, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) plays a vital role in providing accurate and high-quality data that enables the government to identify high-potential crops, better target farmer groups in need of assistance, and prioritise key agricultural areas. 'I was informed that DOSM is currently studying our topography in Sarawak. For example, in areas like Ulu Baram, certain crops may be more suitable, whereas in other lowland areas, different crops may be better suited. 'With collaboration from all relevant agencies, we can empower Sarawak's agriculture sector to be more sustainable, productive, and competitive,' he said when officiating the Sarawak-level Agriculture Census Interim Report 2024 at a leading hotel here today. Dr Rundi said detailed information such as the number of farmers growing a particular crop in a given area is essential as it helps the government better target specific groups and avoid wastage in aid distribution. 'When we have the right data, we can allocate resources more efficiently, tailor incentives accordingly, and prevent resource wastage. 'This includes knowing what crops are being grown, who's growing them, and what kind of yields can be expected,' he explained. He also urged for greater use of digital platforms like the Integrated Agricultural Statistical System (TaniStats) and e-Tani, which collect agricultural data, to be fully utilised so that the government can formulate policies and incentives based on actual on-the-ground conditions. At the same time, Dr Rundi stressed the importance of protecting farmers from unsustainable losses, citing successful models in countries like Japan and Vietnam, which have successfully developed their agriculture sectors. 'If a farmer grows paddy and the yield is not worth the effort, they will become discouraged. 'So, we must help them through suitable incentives and price guarantees,' he said. He also called on agricultural officers to be more proactive and adopt a more consultative approach to engage with farmers before implementing any policies or aid programmes. 'Instead of telling them what to do, ask them what they want to do, what resources they have and what their plans are. 'Once we understand what they want to do, only then we can step in to facilitate and empower their efforts more effectively,' he said. Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Martin Ben and DOSM chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, who is also the 2024 Agriculture Census commissioner.
The Star
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Johor reaps success as agri giant
JOHOR BARU: Johor contributed the highest value of agricultural output nationwide, with sales reaching RM27.2bil last year, says a state executive councillor. Johor agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip (pic) said the figure was based on the 2024 Agriculture Census presented by the Statistics Department. He said the data was shared during the National Agriculture Exco meeting, which was chaired by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu in Putrajaya recently. 'The meeting served as an important platform to align key policies and proposals to advance the agricultural and agri-food sector across the country,' he said in a statement yesterday. The Buloh Kasap assemblyman said Johor's strong performance reaffirmed its position as a national agriculture powerhouse and a critical contributor to food production and food security in Malaysia. Zahari also said the state government would remain committed to ensuring that the agriculture sector continues to grow. He added that Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has repeatedly stressed the need for continuous efforts to boost the sector as a key part of the state's development plan. 'As part of the Johor Budget 2026, we will focus on empowering the target groups involved, such as farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen and agri-entrepreneurs,' he said. Zahari also said that during the meeting, he had raised the importance of food security within the broader framework of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) development. Zahari said food security was a key focus area under the JS-SEZ initiative, adding that efforts would include promoting high-tech agricultural practices. 'Our goal is to scale up the production of quality and competitive agri-food products by embracing innovation and sustainable methods,' he said. In recognition of Johor's role, Zahari said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has approved a special allocation of RM23.4mil for the state. 'The funds will be used to implement 20 programmes and agricultural projects throughout 2025, with the aim of accelerating development and improving farmers' livelihoods. 'The state government is grateful for the support and will ensure the effective and smooth implementation of all initiatives under this collaboration,' he said. Zahari also said that he had called for improvements in disaster assistance management, especially for farmers, breeders and fishermen affected by floods and other natural disasters during the meeting. He said that faster aid delivery would enable them to resume affected projects quickly and safeguard their income sources and output capacity. 'The state government will continue giving its full commitment to elevating the agriculture sector in line with the Maju Johor agenda,' he added.
