Latest news with #MinistryofAgricultureandFoodSecurity
The Sun
an hour ago
- Business
- The Sun
Pahang targets 50k visitors, RM1.2m sales at Mini MAHA 2025
KUANTAN: The Pahang government is gearing up for the inaugural Mini MAHA Pahang 2025, setting ambitious targets of 50,000 visitors and RM1.2 million in sales. The four-day event, scheduled from Aug 14 to 17 at Dataran Temerloh, will spotlight over 100 local agropreneurs and innovations in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail highlighted the expo's role in boosting food security and modern farming. 'Mini MAHA will empower Pahang's agro-food sector while giving local entrepreneurs national exposure,' he said after attending the 'Moh Kendurian 3.0' event in Kampung Mahkota. Organised with 30 agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the event will feature 60 programmes. Highlights include the 'Pahang Berselawat and Forum Perdana', a Fruit Fest, and the launch of 'Pahang Best' products, including Beras Pahang (Pahang Rice). A petting zoo and livestock showcase with sado cattle, wagyu beef, and balau buffalo will also draw crowds. Wan Rosdy noted that Mini MAHA will alternate with the national MAHA to prevent scheduling conflicts. He hopes the event will encourage youth participation in modern agriculture, reinforcing Pahang's position as a key national food producer under the 'Pahang 1st' initiative. - Bernama
Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah to host Malaysia's premier agriculture showcase
There will be many interesting activities including Agriculture E-Games, immersive aquaculture and 3D aquarium exhibitions, the popular Agro MADANI Sale, and many other exciting highlights. KOTA KINABALU (July 30): The 'Hari Peladang, Penternak dan Nelayan Kebangsaan (HPPNK)' or National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day this year has a deeper national significance as the event marks its 50th anniversary. After three decades, the event makes its return to Sabah this year from Aug 1 to 3 starting at 9am until 10pm at the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu. Themed 'Kudrat Kami Menjamin Pertiwi', the event not only commemorates five decades of the agriculture sector's progress but also paves the way forward in reaffirming the nation's commitment to food security and agro-economic resilience. The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, recently shared insights on the strategic significance of HPPNK 2025, its future-focused offerings, and the crucial role of food security in Malaysia's national development. 'This isn't just a celebration. HPPNK 2025 marks a turning point in how we view and value our agro-community. It is a moment to acknowledge their contributions, but also to invite the younger generation into the fold,' he said. He said the 2025 edition of HPPNK will feature four key thematic zones: 'Agro Millenia', 'Cukup & Terjamin', 'Sejahtera MADANI', and 'Jualan & Keusahawanan'. Each segment was curated to highlight not just the strength of Malaysia's agro-sector, but also the emerging opportunities within it. 'Agro Millenia' focuses on engaging youths through innovation and education. It features activities such as agricultural e-sports, farm-to-kitchen showcases, artisanal coffee appreciation, and entrepreneurship talks. 'We are reshaping the narrative. Agriculture is no longer about hardship; it's about innovation, opportunity, and technology,' Isham explained. 'Through 'Agro Millenia', we hope to show the younger generation that the future of farming is smart, profitable, and rewarding.' In 'Cukup & Terjamin', visitors will experience Malaysia's most advanced agrotechnologies and innovation. These include smart irrigation systems, aquaculture innovations, drone farming, and real-time robotic monitoring. One of the highlights of the technology and innovation segment is the opportunity for visitors to engage in hands-on agricultural experiences. These include a combine harvester simulator, allowing them to immerse themselves in the realistic environment of operating a rice harvester during the harvesting season. Visitors can also get up close with various livestock breeds, including top hybrid cattle, premium goat species, saga chickens, and even ponies. 'We are demonstrating that Malaysia is serious about building a self-reliant, resilient food system. Reducing our dependency on imported food is critical,' he said. The 'Sejahtera MADANI' segment embraces the values of unity, sustainability and dignity. Exhibits will spotlight successful local farmers, fishermen, and breeders while presenting the nation's collaborative work through pavilions like the ASEAN Farmers Village and Sabah Pavilion. In addition, there will be an award-giving and appreciation ceremony for successful farmers, breeders and fishermen. 'We want to honour these unsung heroes with many of whom work tirelessly in remote communities who keep our food system alive and our economy turning,' Isham noted. The 'Jualan & Keusahawanan' segment, which features over 136 booths from local agropreneurs, offering everything from ready-to-eat products to artisanal condiments and health drinks. The popular 'Agro MADANI' Mega Sale returns with over 500 varieties of Malaysian dishes and essential goods sold at discounts of up to 30 per cent. 'For many small agropreneurs, this platform is their launchpad to wider markets. And for visitors, it's a chance to experience the diversity and richness of Malaysian food culture, all under one roof,' Isham said. One standout attraction is the Coffee Island, featuring Sabah's local brews and top Malaysian coffee brands, allowing visitors to enjoy coffee tasting sessions in a relaxed setting. There will also be a 'Happy Hour' sales which will see products sold at steep discounts. The lead-up to HPPNK 2025 also featured two regional programmes which are 'Road to HPPNK Series 1 & 2' in Tawau and Sook, Sabah. Isham said these events attracted over 30,000 visitors and generated hundreds of thousands of ringgit in agro-based sales. 'From the energy on the ground in Tawau to the community spirit in Sook, it's clear that the people here are deeply connected to the land and sea.' Central to the event is the concept of food security. Isham emphasised: 'History has taught us that no nation can truly be sovereign if it cannot feed itself. Food is about power, security and dignity. HPPNK 2025 is a reminder of that truth.' 'We must understand that food security is a strategic imperative. Whether in times of peace or crisis, a nation's strength is tied to its ability to produce and control its own food sources. Our farmers, breeders, and fishermen are our frontline defence in this regard.' Beyond public celebration, HPPNK 2025 is designed to have a long-lasting impact. From workshops and forums to digital learning hubs and business matchmaking, it offers valuable exposure for aspiring entrepreneurs and established agropreneurs alike. The ministry expects more than 500,000 visitors over the three-day event, generating savings of up to RM3 million in household spending and strengthening local agro-industries. Isham hoped that the public would not miss out on the event. 'Come and join us. This is a celebration of our people, our culture, and our future. HPPNK 2025 is where tradition meets technology, where the past 50 years inspire the next 50. It's time we stand together to support the hands that feed the nation.' With its golden jubilee theme resonating across every segment, HPPNK 2025 promises not just a celebration, but a call to action for Malaysians to cherish, empower, and sustain the very people whose strength guarantees the wellbeing of our beloved Pertiwi.
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
China's imports of fruits to grow with big appetite for durians, coconuts
Growers of durian and coconut in Southeast Asia are expecting a hectic time ahead as they grapple with rising demand from mainland Chinese buyers who prefer high-quality fresh fruits against the backdrop of a weak consumption market. Malaysian fresh durians, which have witnessed an export boom since last year, are still in high demand ahead of the peak season in August, according to Guo Min, deputy marketing director with distributor Joy Wing Mau's China operations. "The growth trajectory remains robust and we foresee surging demand [for the fruit] next month," he said in an interview, adding that Malaysian durians were the most sought-after by consumers among imported fruits. "We have got the logistics and warehousing arrangements ready to better serve the market." Malaysia started exporting fresh durians to China last year, shipping 24.8 million ringgit (190 million baht) worth of them between August and December, according to data from Malaysia's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. In the first four months this year, Malaysia's share of the durian market in China had grown tenfold, Guo added. Thailand held a 57% share of China's US$6.99 billion (226 billion baht) durian market in 2024, Chinese customs data showed. Guo spoke on the sidelines of a "matchmaking meeting" between international suppliers and Chinese traders in Shanghai on Friday, organised by the China International Import Expo (CIIE) Bureau, a unit of the Ministry of Commerce, ahead of the annual trade show later this year. Chinese consumers' rising awareness of health and food security remained the key growth drivers for imported fruits, according to Allen Zeng, deputy director of brand with Goodfarmer Fresh Fruit Trading, which deals with fruit exports from the Philippines and Vietnam to China. "They underscore the importance of freshness and they believe in big brands that can guarantee quality and security of the products," he said at the CIIE-arranged event. "Exports of fruits including durians and pineapples turned out to be resilient even though local consumers are cautious on spending." Many traders at the CIIE event said they would also introduce higher-quality coconuts and cherries to the Chinese market at the CIIE, the world's largest trade show featuring imports, which will be held from Nov 5 to 10 in Shanghai. The Chinese economy has been under deflationary pressure over the past two years due to sluggish domestic demand and excess production capacity. Inflation quickened at an annualised pace of 0.1% in June, ending five months of weaker prices, government reports showed. The CIIE, an annual event launched in 2018, is considered by many foreign businesses a prime marketing opportunity. Beijing encourages local firms to buy foreign-made goods as a way of showing China's commitment to free trade and expanding access to its market. In 2024, companies racked up US$80 billion worth of deals during the six-day show, a 2% increase from a year earlier. Deals involving food and agricultural products provided a bright spot, reflecting growing awareness of food security and nutrition in China, analysts said. To date, the CIIE Bureau said exhibitors had booked 300,000 square metres of space to display their products and technologies at the six-day event. Last year, more than 3,500 international companies took part in the show.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia looks to Thailand, Japan for year-round fruit production
KLANG: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) is turning to Thailand and Japan as models for research to enable year-round production of seasonal fruits in Malaysia. Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu highlighted ongoing efforts by the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) to develop new seed varieties. 'We are carrying out R\&D, especially by DOA and MARDI, to produce new seeds and so on. The MARDI durian, for example, was produced recently in Kuala Kangsar. Delicious. High quality,' he said during the launch of the National Campaign to Eat More Local Fruits and Vegetables. The event also marked the closing of FAMA Fest 2025 in Selangor. Mohamad stressed the government's commitment to promoting local fruits, including a mandate for official functions to serve only Malaysian-grown produce. 'During my visit to Thailand as the Minister of Defence, I was served food based on local fruits and vegetables throughout my time there. The same goes for Japan, almost 100 per cent local,' he added. Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli reported strong results from FAMA Fest, with sales exceeding RM800,000 from 50 entrepreneurs and over 40,000 visitors. Since 2017, the event has driven economic growth for agri-entrepreneurs, with 2024 figures reaching RM8.8 million nationwide. – Bernama
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia durian exports to surpass RM1.5 billion in 2025
GUA MUSANG: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) projects Malaysia's durian exports to surpass RM1.5 billion in 2025, fueled by strong international demand. Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu highlighted a 256.3% surge in export value over five years, rising from RM321.2 million in 2018 to RM1.14 billion in 2022. 'This growth underscores durian's potential as a high-value agro-food commodity, benefiting both the national economy and local communities,' he said during the 2025 Durian Festival opening at the Gua Musang District Council hall. Durian festivals and promotional programs play a crucial role in boosting the sector's value chain, involving farmers, logistics, retailers, and tourism. According to Mordor Intelligence's 2024 report, the global durian market is projected to hit USD10.78 billion in 2025, climbing to USD16.89 billion by 2030 at a 9.4% annual growth rate. 'China remains the dominant market, contributing over 90% of Asia-Pacific durian imports,' Mohamad noted. Malaysia recently secured fresh durian export access to China under a new phytosanitary protocol signed on June 19, 2024. Previously, exports were restricted to pulp, paste, and frozen whole fruits. - Bernama
