Latest news with #andFoodSecurity
New Straits Times
18-07-2025
- 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
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Cloud seeding to tackle dry padi fields in Perak
PASIR SALAK: Cloud seeding operations will soon be conducted to alleviate dry conditions affecting padi fields in Perak, announced Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. The move comes after farmers in Kerian raised concerns over declining water levels in Bukit Merah Lake due to prolonged hot weather. Mohamad stated that while cloud seeding has been attempted before, water reservoirs remain a critical issue. 'We are working on the cloud seeding. We've done it before as well, but we'll have to wait and water reservoirs remain a critical concern,' he said during a press conference at the Felcra Berhad Padi Seed Centre. To further address water shortages, a water transfer project from Sungai Perak to Bukit Merah Dam is set to begin in August. This initiative aims to boost water supply for agricultural use in the Kerian region. Separately, Mohamad mentioned that rice supply quotas for manufacturers will be adjusted based on production capacity. 'The quota is based on capacity. If a Bumiputera-owned factory has the capacity, we will do our best to assist,' he explained. The Perak state government recently sought an increased rice supply quota for manufacturers, particularly Bumiputera-owned firms, to ensure stable food production. State committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun emphasised the need for collaboration between large and small manufacturers to maintain supply chain resilience. - Bernama
New Straits Times
28-06-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Mat Sabu: Vegetable supply remains under control despite heatwave
SHAH ALAM: Malaysia's vegetable supply remains under control despite the current heatwave, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. "So far, the hot weather phenomenon has not had a significant impact on the supply of vegetables from the country's main farming areas, and the supply remains abundant. "Only a few areas have been affected. In fact, we have a good supply support system. "For example, if there is a shortage in the northern states, produce from the south will help meet demand. "Thank God, the situation is still under control," he said after launching the 2025 TVET Agriculture Carnival @ KPKM in Kemuning Utama here today. On claims that vegetable prices in Cameron Highlands were rising, Mohamad said it was a common occurrence, as production is weather-dependent. He said the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority would continue to monitor and address the issue. "This is something that tends to happen under certain conditions, but it does not persist continuously," he said.
The Sun
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Pineapple farmers' losses drop to RM1.02 mln in 2023
JOHOR BAHRU: Pineapple farmers nationwide saw their losses due to unpredictable weather and natural disasters decrease significantly from RM7 million in 2021 to RM1.02 million last year. Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup credited the improvement to research, infrastructure upgrades, and innovations by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM). 'For example, in 2021, the recorded losses amounted to RM7 million, which then dropped to RM2 million in 2022, RM1.8 million in 2023 and RM1.02 million last year,' he said during a press conference after launching the 2025 International Pineapple Industry Seminar. Arthur highlighted that resilient pineapple varieties and improved data collection have enhanced cultivation efficiency. He urged LPNM to stay proactive in adopting new strategies to tackle natural disaster challenges, ensuring stable farmer incomes and consistent pineapple supply. Key measures include early prevention, efficient irrigation, digital technology, IoT, drones, and solar energy. The seminar, co-organised by LPNM, the Agriculture Ministry, and UPM Alumni Association, drew 400 participants, including industry stakeholders and farm operators.
Barnama
28-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Ploughing And Harvesting Incentive Payments To Be Completed By July 31
PUTRAJAYA, June 28 (Bernama) -- The government will ensure that all payments for the ploughing and harvesting incentives to farmers are completed by 31 July, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. In a statement today, he said the total amount of the incentive was RM210, comprising RM160 for ploughing and RM50 for harvesting. He added that the matter had been discussed at the Cabinet Committee on National Food Security Policy (FSCC) Meeting 1/2025, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on June 16. 'The meeting focused on strategic initiatives to strengthen the country's food security and boost the growth of the agriculture and agro-food sectors. 'Various other initiatives were also discussed, including strategies to increase the country's self-sufficiency rate (SSR) for beef and buffalo meat to ensure the sustainability of the national food supply,' he said. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), on 11 June, announced an increase in the ploughing incentive rate and introduced a harvesting incentive, providing total cash assistance of RM210 per hectare to padi farmers each season, benefiting around 130,000 farmers across the peninsula. Mohamad also said the government welcomed the development of the Malaysian Food Composition Database (MyFCD) as a strategic component of the National Food Security Policy. He said the meeting had also agreed in principle to explore effective strategies to reduce dependence on grain corn imports to ensure the industry's sustainability and growth. 'In addition, the proposed amendment to the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act 2004 (Act 634) will be implemented to provide more comprehensive protection for new plant varieties,' he said.
