Latest news with #StateAgrotechnology
The Sun
27-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang livestock revenue hits RM1.906 billion with poultry leading growth
KEPALA BATAS: Penang recorded a Livestock Revenue Value (NHT) of RM1.906 billion last year, marking an increase of RM41.54 million compared to the previous year. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow revealed that poultry and duck products, including meat and eggs, were the largest contributors, accounting for 91.75 per cent of the total NHT. 'The livestock industry remains a vital source of protein for the people of this state,' Chow said during his speech at the opening of the Penang Farmers, Livestock Breeders, and Fishermen Day at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). Interim results from the Penang Agricultural Census 2023 showed that the livestock sector contributed 44 per cent of the state's total agricultural sales, valued at RM3.514 billion. Chow emphasised that the Livestock Enactment aims to modernise self-sustaining industries like poultry and pig farming, shifting them toward large-scale, technology-driven operations. The event, held from Friday until today, was also attended by State Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol. Chow highlighted the adoption of closed-house farming to improve production quality and environmental sustainability while ensuring support for small-scale traditional livestock farming through the Livestock Industry Development Project. Efforts to control zoonotic diseases remain a priority to safeguard public health and industry sustainability. Chow added that Penang's agricultural strategy aligns with the National Agro-Food Policy (DAN 2.0) 2021-2025, focusing on food security. The state is also developing strategic agricultural parks like Ara Kuda and Mayfield, which utilise advanced farming technology. The federal government's Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) initiative further strengthens the rice industry through 12 key programmes aimed at boosting efficiency and resilience. – Bernama
The Sun
27-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang livestock revenue hits RM1.906 million with poultry leading growth
KEPALA BATAS: Penang recorded a Livestock Revenue Value (NHT) of RM1.906 million last year, marking an increase of RM41.54 million compared to the previous year. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow revealed that poultry and duck products, including meat and eggs, were the largest contributors, accounting for 91.75 per cent of the total NHT. 'The livestock industry remains a vital source of protein for the people of this state,' Chow said during his speech at the opening of the Penang Farmers, Livestock Breeders, and Fishermen Day at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). Interim results from the Penang Agricultural Census 2023 showed that the livestock sector contributed 44 per cent of the state's total agricultural sales, valued at RM3.514 billion. Chow emphasised that the Livestock Enactment aims to modernise self-sustaining industries like poultry and pig farming, shifting them toward large-scale, technology-driven operations. The event, held from Friday until today, was also attended by State Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol. Chow highlighted the adoption of closed-house farming to improve production quality and environmental sustainability while ensuring support for small-scale traditional livestock farming through the Livestock Industry Development Project. Efforts to control zoonotic diseases remain a priority to safeguard public health and industry sustainability. Chow added that Penang's agricultural strategy aligns with the National Agro-Food Policy (DAN 2.0) 2021-2025, focusing on food security. The state is also developing strategic agricultural parks like Ara Kuda and Mayfield, which utilise advanced farming technology. The federal government's Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) initiative further strengthens the rice industry through 12 key programmes aimed at boosting efficiency and resilience. – Bernama
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
DOSM to introduce National Agricultural Production Index
KEPALA BATAS: The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) will soon introduce a National Agricultural Production Index to strengthen food security by addressing critical data gaps in the agriculture sector. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the index, to be pushed quarterly, will offer a more comprehensive view of agricultural output, supporting evidence-based policymaking in a sector central to both livelihoods and economic stability. The index is being developed in collaboration with several government agencies and will mirror existing statistical frameworks used for the manufacturing, electricity and services sectors. 'This data will help identify which areas are experiencing increases in agricultural output and the information can be shared across agencies for planning and policy-making purposes,' he added. He was speaking to reporters after launching the 2024 Penang Interim Agriculture Census Report, officiated by State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol here today. Until now, national agricultural statistics have focused primarily on palm oil and padi production, which he described as 'not comprehensive.' The new index, he said, will offer more structured and detailed coverage of the broader agricultural sector. Preliminary findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census indicate that the sector recorded sales of RM161 billion in 2023, employing 1.7 million people. These figures underscore the industry's potential if backed by strategic policies and innovation. In Penang alone, agricultural sales reached RM3.5 billion, despite the state's small size. Individual farmers accounted for 93.1 per cent of agricultural holdings, with organisations making up the remaining 6.9 per cent. The census also highlighted the active role played by senior citizens, with more than half of Malaysians aged 60 and above still engaged in agriculture. Mohd Uzir noted that the presence of older farmers in the field remains strong, while youth involvement presents further opportunities to enhance sector productivity.
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
DOSM to introduce National Agricultural Production Index in food security push
KEPALA BATAS: The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) will soon introduce a National Agricultural Production Index to strengthen food security by addressing critical data gaps in the agriculture sector. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the index, to be pushed quarterly, will offer a more comprehensive view of agricultural output, supporting evidence-based policymaking in a sector central to both livelihoods and economic stability. The index is being developed in collaboration with several government agencies and will mirror existing statistical frameworks used for the manufacturing, electricity and services sectors. 'This data will help identify which areas are experiencing increases in agricultural output and the information can be shared across agencies for planning and policy-making purposes,' he added. He was speaking to reporters after launching the 2024 Penang Interim Agriculture Census Report, officiated by State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol here today. Until now, national agricultural statistics have focused primarily on palm oil and padi production, which he described as 'not comprehensive.' The new index, he said, will offer more structured and detailed coverage of the broader agricultural sector. Preliminary findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census indicate that the sector recorded sales of RM161 billion in 2023, employing 1.7 million people. These figures underscore the industry's potential if backed by strategic policies and innovation. In Penang alone, agricultural sales reached RM3.5 billion, despite the state's small size. Individual farmers accounted for 93.1 per cent of agricultural holdings, with organisations making up the remaining 6.9 per cent. The census also highlighted the active role played by senior citizens, with more than half of Malaysians aged 60 and above still engaged in agriculture. Mohd Uzir noted that the presence of older farmers in the field remains strong, while youth involvement presents further opportunities to enhance sector productivity.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang Cracks Down on Durian Fraud in Balik Pulau
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government takes a serious view of the exploitation of local growers by rogue traders who import durians (from other states or Thailand) and sell it under the authentic Balik Pulau brand. State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said yesterday that his office had collaborated with police, the Department of Agriculture, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service (MAQIS) to set up roadblocks to detain agricultural products that do not comply with regulations. 'This operation is being carried out due to the issue of durians from outside Penang being brought into the state by unscrupulous traders to sell the fruit under the Balik Pulau durian brand. This issue was raised during the last State Assembly session. 'This restriction was also imposed to inspect vegetables and fruits to ensure they comply with the GPL (Grading, Packaging and Labelling) 2008 Regulations under FAMA ACT 141. Yesterday itself, three violation notices related to GPL were issued,' he said in a statement today. The GPL 2008 Regulations require that agricultural products must be graded, packaged and labelled before being marketed. The GPLs issued yesterday were the first of such imposed on wholesalers, who will face a maximum fine of up to RM25,000. Fahmi said the roadblock carried out from 8 pm to 11.30 pm yesterday was also the first of its kind held in Penang and will be implemented again at different locations in the future, to reinforce the state's commitment in protecting local farmers and consumers. Balik Pulau is famed for its many durian orchards, which produce the finest of varieties, such as Black Thorn, Red Prawn, Tupai King and Musang King.
