Latest news with #agritech
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Reducing our reliance on others for food — Suhaiza Hanim
JUNE 4 — Food security has become a significant concern in Malaysia, particularly concerning current global developments. Rising costs and a reliance on imports make it harder for many Malaysians, especially those in the B40 category who are already impoverished, to obtain reasonably priced, wholesome food. The ongoing global food crisis, which has been made worse by disruptions brought on by pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change, has also affected Malaysia. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), more than 60 per cent of Malaysia's staple goods, including rice, wheat, and dairy products, are imported. Since food prices increased by 8.9 per cent in 2023 alone, even a little increase in worldwide prices results in a greater cost of living for people here. This strain is challenging for B40 households, who spend over one-third of their income on food. Enhancing agriculture as a community-based approach to boost food security Given this, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has underlined the need for self-sufficiency as a crucial element of Malaysia's food security strategy. Though initiatives to expand domestic farming have shown potential, rapid development is hampered by structural issues such as smallholder farms' small size and high running costs. Additionally, the movement towards agritech has accelerated, with projects supporting smart irrigation, vertical agriculture, and sustainable agricultural methods. However, time and substantial financial commitment are needed for these endeavours. The farming industry in Malaysia, which now accounts for less than 10 per cent of GDP, would require significant reorganisation to facilitate a substantial rise in self-reliance. Food security has become a significant concern in Malaysia, particularly concerning current global developments. — Picture by Hari Anggara Insights from global models Similar issues have prompted aggressive actions from several countries. For instance, by integrating technology, Japan has effectively reduced its need for food imports. Japan has experienced a 15 per cent boost in agricultural productivity via robotic farming and precision agriculture techniques, dramatically reducing its reliance on imports for staple foodstuffs. The urban agriculture approach in South Korea also provides insightful information. Rooftop and communal gardens have been established in Seoul, giving city dwellers access to fresh vegetables while easing the burden on food imports. This strategy is mirrored in a pilot project in Penang that started in 2023 and has shown promise in urban areas; nevertheless, growth is required to have a quantifiable impact across the country. Meeting the B40 households' needs In this regard, the increase in food prices increases the danger of starvation and malnutrition among Malaysia's most vulnerable people, especially the B40. While community-based food banks have lessened part of this load, a more comprehensive strategy is required. Programmes such as Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) and MyKasih have provided short-term respite, although they are sometimes insufficient considering the food inflation rate. Experts increasingly call for subsidies primarily for necessities to help those with lower incomes. According to economist Datuk Mohd Salleh, 'financial assistance should go hand-in-hand with capacity-building programmes that empower communities to grow their food,' underscoring the significance of social protection in ensuring food security. In Malaysia's densely populated areas, expanding urban farming programmes might give low-income families additional sources of income and a sustainable way out of food reliance. Setting out on a new path Malaysia must address both short-term demands and long-term risks to increase food security. Although attempts to fix prices through subsidies could offer temporary respite, a revolutionary approach emphasising independence and creativity is necessary. Apart from that, Malaysia's food industry may greatly benefit from the resources offered by the FAO's Global Initiative on Food Security, which supports sustainable agricultural production, especially in crop diversity and sustainable water management. To sum up, Malaysia has to actively encourage local agriculture while reforming its policies to address food insecurity. By reducing its reliance on foreign markets, Malaysia should better safeguard its citizens from price shocks and ensure that food is constantly available and affordable, especially for those in the B40. * Datin Seri Prof Dr Suhaiza Hanim Datuk Mohamad Zailani is the Director of the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. She may be reached at [email protected]. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
National Agriculture Centre and Sheraa forge strategic partnership to advance agritech entrepreneurship in the UAE
The partnership aims to foster innovation in the agricultural sector and support Emirati entrepreneurs and farmers in achieving national food security and sustainable development goals. Al Ain, United Arab Emirates – In a step towards fostering innovation in agriculture and strengthening sustainable food security, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced a strategic partnership with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) to promote agritech entrepreneurship across the UAE. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Agriculture Centre and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) on the sidelines of the final day of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain. The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Her Excellency Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa); Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; and Her Excellency Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa). Sultan Salem Al Shamsi said: 'This partnership reflects our continued commitment to the leadership's vision of building a resilient and sustainable food future for the UAE. Supporting innovation and empowering entrepreneurs and Emirati farmers is central to our strategy for enhancing national agricultural production and competitiveness. Through our strategic collaboration with Sheraa, we aim to create an enabling environment that nurtures pioneering ideas and transforms them into impactful ventures. These efforts will lead to the development of climate-smart technological solutions, help reduce agricultural waste and improve resource efficiency—directly supporting our national goals for food security and sustainable agricultural growth.' He added: 'The signing of this agreement during the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition underscores the importance we place on the synergy between government entities, the private sector and entrepreneurship enablers. This collaboration ensures that necessary support is extended to farmers and young entrepreneurs, enabling them to play an active role in the transition towards modern, sustainable agricultural systems.' HE Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: "This partnership stems from a shared belief that sustainable agriculture forms the foundation for future readiness and acts as a key driver of innovation. Sheraa remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs to turn challenges into opportunities. Through the Sheraa Centre of Excellence for Sustainability, and in collaboration with the National Agriculture Centre, we are supporting a new generation of founders by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to build impactful ventures that strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to a diversified, future-ready economy." The MoU outlines a broad framework for cooperation aimed at advancing the agri-entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE. This includes supporting startups within the sector, promoting knowledge exchange, and launching joint initiatives. The partnership also seeks to promote innovation in sustainable agriculture and agricultural technology. The initiative is expected to empower local farmers by introducing them to innovative solutions developed by startups, encouraging the adoption of climate-smart farming practices and creating new opportunities to scale their operations—further enhancing their contribution to the national food security agenda. The meeting also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Agriculture Centre and the New Economy Academy to establish a framework for joint cooperation in developing and implementing training programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and institutional collaboration within the agricultural sector. The MoU aims to design and deliver specialised training and awareness programmes in agriculture, thereby enhancing the competencies of professionals and stakeholders and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The agreement seeks to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and facilitate knowledge transfer by building the technical capabilities of national talent, supporting sustained excellence and the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. It aims to contribute to sustainable development and food security through targeted educational and awareness initiatives that engage various segments of society, raise environmental and food-related awareness, and advance sustainability goals. The MoU also includes the development of effective governance, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of agreed initiatives, guided by clear performance indicators. These mechanisms are intended to maximise impact, ensure accountability, and foster the continuous improvement of joint cooperation programmes. Another Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) to establish a general framework for cooperation aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the UAE. The agreement supports projects and initiatives that align with the nation's environmental goals, the National Food Security Strategy 2051, and the 'We the UAE 2031' vision. Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify priority areas within sustainable agriculture and food security. This includes developing a portfolio of high-impact initiatives and projects eligible for support by the Fund, ensuring alignment with national strategies such as the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy . The MoU also emphasises the importance of supporting projects that strengthen food security while preserving environmental resources. Furthermore, it aims to stimulate investment in sustainable agriculture by introducing incentive mechanisms and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship. -END-
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vietnam's Durian Farmers Power Up with XAG Drones to Boost Efficiency
MY THO, Vietnam, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid Vietnam's "durian gold rush," farmers are turning to smart agri-tech, notably XAG agricultural drones, to stay ahead. In the Mekong Delta, where durian exports have soared to $3.3 billion, growers use drones to cut costs, improve yields, and work more safely, adapting quickly to the demands of this booming fruit market. Few understand these shifting tides better than Nguyễn Văn Hường, a lifelong farmer in Tiền Giang province. At 64, Hường and his wife manage more than 300 durian trees, along with 250 jackfruit and coconut trees, on a four-hectare farm. "Selling durians is like selling a house," he says, noting that a single mature durian tree can yield nearly 100 kg of fruit a year and earn him 15 to 16 million VND. Hường's real edge, though, comes from his willingness to embrace innovation—a trait that traces back decades. "I was the first here to buy a backpack sprayer 50 years ago," he recalls proudly, believing firmly that "technology brings profits." Today, that same forward-thinking spirit once again sets Hường apart as a local pioneer, helping him tackle challenges and stay ahead of the curve. Standing confidently in his lush orchard with a remote control in hand, Hường now relies on the XAG P150 agricultural drone—a tool that has completely changed his approach to crop protection. Before, he would row his boat between the trees, stand near each trunk, and reach up with a long-handled sprayer to coat the highest branches, which often failed to cover thoroughly and left him exhausted. "On windy days, chemicals would get on my head and in my eyes," he explains. By late 2024, motivated to "protect health and change traditional agriculture," Hường invested in the drone, making the plant protection process safer, more efficient, and far less labor-intensive. It took him just three days to learn how to operate the drone, and now he manages every aspect of pesticide spraying with only a few taps on the screen. The impact was immediate. Hường estimates that the P150's intelligent RevoSpray system cuts water use per spray from 3,000 to just 800 liters, and what once took two tiring days now finishes in just three hours. Equipped with a 70-liter smart liquid tank and rotary atomization nozzles, the drone can spray evenly and thoroughly, sending droplets deep into the canopy where pests lurk and manual spraying can't reach. "It used to be dizzying wearing a mask and spraying by hand, but now I can keep my distance and let the drone handle it more accurately," Hường says. The financial impact is also expected to be substantial. "Using drones for spraying can reduce my overall costs by about one-third. With expenses down and our work made easier, the profits would be higher," he proudly exclaims. Last season, nearly one billion VND in revenue came from just 100 mature durian trees, thanks to higher yields and the export surge. Hường's experience reflects a wider movement. According to a study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the adoption of agricultural drones in Southeast Asia led to yield increases of up to 20% and a 30% reduction in pesticide use. For Vietnamese smallholders in regions like the Mekong Delta, adopting such technologies isn't just about profit, it's also about keeping pace with rising global expectations and unpredictable weather. Word of Hường's success has spread in the community. "If anyone asks, I'm happy to share my experience. This drone is almost fully autonomous and delivers much better spraying quality. Its automatic return-to-home function is especially convenient," he says. "I'm really satisfied with this drone." From the days of hauling heavy sprayers through his orchard to now guiding a drone above bountiful trees, Hường embodies the evolution of Vietnamese farming—proving that with the right tools and openness to change, small family farms can still thrive in an increasingly competitive world. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE XAG
RNZ News
23-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
AgriTech leaders say Budget sows seeds but real growth requires bold vision
Photo: 123rf The agritech industry says Budget 2025 has some positive initiatives for farmers, but it's missing a bolder, overall vision for significant growth. The biggest budget boon for farmers is a new rule allowing them and other businesses to write off 20 percent of the value of new assets - like machinery, tools and equipment from their tax bill in addition to regular depreciation. AgriTech NZ chief executive Brendan O'Connell said the new Investment Boost was an "extremely positive" way to improve farming practices and encourage the adoption of new technology. "It's very positive to see a mechanism to allow a tax incentive that would encourage investment in the tools and infrastructure that would improve farming practises and for that to be encouraged in that way is a very positive move, I think, both for New Zealand farmers and growers and for the technology businesses that can help them grow their businesses." O'Connell said the $100 million injection into the state-backed Elevate venture capital fund - to help high-growth technology companies with strong export potential - was a "really welcome commitment" from the government to support later-stage start-ups. "It's definitely going to include agritech start-ups that will bring new technologies and solutions through to farmers and growers here in New Zealand and around the world. "So it's a very positive commitment to supporting the growth of those businesses, and it signals confidence in New Zealand-founded innovation." On Friday the government said it would invest $246m in a new fund over four years "to supercharge growth and productivity" in the food and fibre sector as part of Budget 2025. "The new Primary Sector Growth Fund (PSGF) replaces the former Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund and will focus on practical projects that reduce costs across the food and fibre sector value chain and deliver stronger returns on investment to the farm and forest gate," said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay. But Brendan O'Connell said replacing the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund with a Primary Sector Growth Fund seemed like a shifting of funds for the sake of it rather than a comprehensive plan. "I think most people would think sustainable food and the primary sector goes hand in hand. There seems to be a little bit of playing with ideologies rather than actually focusing on what things are investable." "I believe the new approach is to look at high-value co-funded economic growth opportunities. So I guess the focus of the investments is changing - rather than sustainable futures, it's economic growth." He was also worried a move to make more efficiencies in the science sector was not being matched by investment. New Zealand now needs a joined-up strategy that positions it as an agri-tech sector food innovation force, and helps farmers and growers to do this, he added. "We're saying we want economic growth and we want investment, but we're not really talking about what's investable, or putting out a coordinated national vision for food and fibre innovation that could attract really serious global investments and include significant growth. "All of this is a positive step forward, but now we need the next one, an actual joined-up strategy to position New Zealand as an agri-tech food innovation force that will help our farmers and growers. "It just feels like we're playing with deck chairs and I think we can take a more positive and bold step forward." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
South China Morning Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China's ‘vegetable capital' to test farming know-how in UAE's harsh deserts
Shouguang, a city in eastern China known for its copious vegetable production, is building a 100,000-square-meter centre for smart agriculture in the harsh deserts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to export the country's technological advances in farming. Leading UAE agritech firm Silal signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group on Monday to co-invest 120 million dirham (US$32.67 million) in the centre to transform desert farming in the Middle Eastern country, state news agency Xinhua reported. The collaboration – part of a global outreach campaign by what is colloquially referred to as China's 'vegetable capital' – is another instance of Beijing exporting agricultural know-how to countries taking part in the Belt and Road Initiative , an infrastructure-driven strategy for regional connectivity. The new facility will make use of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics to enhance the efficiency and precision of seeding, climate control, irrigation and harvesting. It will support the cultivation of over 10 crop varieties, Xinhua said, including tomatoes, cucumbers, melons and strawberries. 'Abu Dhabi, as a frontier for agricultural technology innovation, offers a visionary platform and a real-world test bed for deploying advanced systems in extreme climates,' Yang Ming, founder of the group, was quoted as saying. Silal CEO Saleem al-Ameri said the collaboration would serve as a model for agricultural innovation across the Persian Gulf, contributing to a scalable and sustainable framework for regional development.
