DURIAN MALAYSIA TO CHINA (PART 1)

MALAYSIAN DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) are exportedd to China as fresh fruits and received a high demand each year. In eary January 2025 reported that about 400 metric tons of durians exported to China in 5 months this year.  A total of 413.61 metric tons of fresh Malaysian durians in which valued at RM24.84 million were exported to China between August and December 2024. According to Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said that according to the Agricultural Counsellor's Office in Beijing, Malaysian fresh durians have received a highly positive response in the Chinese market, where the fruit is regarded as a premium product. Malaysian durians are now available in 16 provinces across China including in the city of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin and Chengdu. The counsellor's office in Beijing is also actively promoting our durians to Chinese consumers to highlight the unique characteristics and advantages of the various durian varieties from Malaysia. This report in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I rewrite a NST report regarding the export of Malaysia durian to China as a popular tropical fruit future.

Total durian export to China compare to the total approved volume of fresh durian exports from Malaysia to China increases every year. Reported that the Malaysian durians are in high demand in countries such as China and Singapore with China's fresh durian market valued at RM32 billion in 2023.  One of the main challenges faced by Malaysia's durian industry in maintaining the competitiveness of fresh durians, he said, was the inability to meet demand. The demand for fresh durians in the export market cannot be met with current production levels, as the supply of fresh durians is limited to the harvest season in which typically occurs only twice a year. The government initiatives to assist durian farmers through the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and up today DOA had provided incentives for durian cultivation under the Long-Term Fruit Crop Development Project, as part of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP). Between 2021 and 2024 a total of 4,762 individuals have benefited from this programme, receiving support such as farm infrastructure development, agricultural inputs, and farming equipment.

In other report stated that 'Durian demand surges in China, downstream products promoted in Middle East and Europe' as atated by Agriculture and Food Security Minister  relevan with this topic. By intensifying efforts to promote the economic value of durian in the Middle East and Europe, starting with the sales of downstream products made from the 'King of Fruits'. Agriculture Ministry however had no immediate plans to export fresh durians to new markets apart from China and given the unmet demand in the world's most populous nation. Malaysia's durian exports to China are thriving. Most of our shipments are currently limited to major cities in China with populations of between 15 and 30 million people. This means that smaller cities have yet to be exposed or experience our durians, indicating an untapped market for the fruit. Despite the competition from Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand that offering their homegrown durians there in which China has 1.4 billion people and with 800 million who are able to afford premium products. Minister visit to one of the supermarkets in China he noticed that Malaysian durians were sold out within a few hours after it was put on the shelves. For instance just say our durians arrived at the store at 1.30pm and by 4pm it was all sold out, despite it being sold at a high price. Speaking at a press conference at MARDI Duriotourism facility in Kuala Kangsar, he admitted that there is a growing interest in downstream durian-based products in the Middle East and Europe. Consumers in these regions may not eat fresh durians, but they enjoy durian-based products like ice cream and bread buns. All guests and visitors witnessed the rebranding of the MDUR88 durian variety as 'Mardi Super (MS88)] to elevate Malaysia's premium durian offerings on the global stage. The Mardi Super (MS88) type/variety, developed through extensive research, is positioned as a premium durian with exceptional taste, creamy texture, and disease resistance, making it competitive with other high-end varieties available worldwide. The importance of supporting downstream durian industries to boost the fruit's global marketability. Although the private sector primarily drives the downstream industry, we will provide support because these products appeal to a broader audience. For instance, while Japanese or European consumers may find durians as a whole fruit unfamiliar, they readily enjoy durian base ice cream, bread and products.  Earlier this month, the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran hosted a durian reception on Dec 22, featuring the iconic variety Durian Musang King' in which the event highlighted durian's cultural significance, global appeal, and economic value to an audience, diplomats, food enthusiasts, and business representatives. The reception served as a platform to showcase Malaysia's agricultural excellence and promote its flagship durian variety to new global audiences. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(April 2025).

AGRICULTURE INPUT PRICE VS IMPACT IN MALAYSIA

INTERESTING to study ana analyze the Agriculture Census 2024, which begins today by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), is critical in producing data findings and statistics in managing agricultural concerns and national food security. According to Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said more than 5,000 officers from DOSM would be involved in the three-month-long census to gather data in various sub-sectors, including poultry, fisheries, forestry and logging. This census is a necessity, especially in light of global challenges such as a shortage of agricultural production and why some countries are prohibiting the export of their commodities. Malaysia need this information and data as a point of reference to modernise our agricultural sector. The census was launched by Deputy Prime Minister where the last census was carried out 19 years ago. Reported that more than 1.3 million operators and households were involved in the agricultural sector and that the department would gather data from them, including on production, profiling, demographics and land use techniques. This information will be a valuable input for the government in drafting policies and programmes. Actually the data will also be an important reference for more than 20,000 companies and business organisations involved in the agricultural sector. Report stated that the department had identified 14,800 households in Perlis that were involved in agricultural activities and own agricultural land. This data will help us not only to view issues from a macro perspective, but also directly from the farmers based on their locality, while enabling the government to carry out improvements in the sector. The data gathered from the farmers will benefit them and the people at large through improved agricultural production. The findings from the census were expected to be available by the first quarter of next year. This article ini blog "Anim Agriculture Technology' I rewrite about the agriculture input price issue in Malaysia impact to the agriculture sector.

Bernama repoterd that 'Analysts: Strengthen domestic market and resources to address spike in price of goods' where the government needs to take bold steps to reduce dependence on imported goods by empowering domestic production and marketing as a sustainable measure to address the spike in price of goods. The government needs to take bold steps to reduce dependence on imported goods by empowering domestic production and marketing as a sustainable measure to address the spike in price of goods. The head of the Laboratory of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies at the Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security (ITAFoS), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Professor Dr Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad, said that what is needed now is a policy which can have an immediate impact on the problem. Usually our dependence on imports, either for final products or agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, affects the increase in the price of goods because it involves high costs. For example, if the current dependence on imported rice is around 30 to 40 per cent, why don't we aim for 'zero import' for rice that can be produced in the country?. Then encourage local traders by training them to produce fertilisers and other inputs; this method can not only reduce prices but also stabilise economic growth when the country itself has become an exporter of agricultural commodities. The current price control and subsidy policy is not a sustainable solution to the problem of rising commodity prices, because it is temporary and only slows down existing problems. Malaysia currently doing is that we import goods to stabilise the market. For example, if we don't have enough eggs then we import them, similarly for other goods, as a short-term solution to meet domestic demand and stabilise prices, but this is not a sustainable solution and is not cheap. The government has to spend a lot of money with subsidies again. How long will we be able to survive in such a situation if there is no change in input or no innovation is made; the problem will continue to repeat itself. It also suggested that a market study of the supply chain for each agricultural commodity be carried out, to identify the costs involved, thus enabling the government to formulate better and more effective policies.

This study needs to be done as early as from the planting stage until the end user; from this study we will know where the weaknesses are, and the problems that cause the increase in the price of goods. Echoing the same point, Universiti Kuala Lumpur's Business School economic analyst Associate Professor Dr Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid said that the ministries also need to ensure that suppliers who import necessities do not raise prices arbitrarily. For example (increasing the price of imported goods) by more than 20 per cent due to the recent weakness of the Ringgit, while the Ringgit has not weakened by 20 per cent in six months this year. He said that the government also needs to be sensitive to the supply chain for every essential item, especially subsidised items, by carrying out effective enforcement against traders who deliberately hide or raise prices at will to make a profit. In today's economic situation that consumers need to manage household expenses wisely, by doing research before making purchases and spending according to needs and household income. By buying only what is needed, consumers can save money, reduce waste, maintain an environment without being influenced by anyone, make transparent decisions and ultimately get greater satisfaction in their spending. He said that the sophistication of technology now allows users to do research easily before making a purchase. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(March 2025).

LOCAL WHITE RICE ISSUE PRICE IN MALAYSIA

MALAYSIAN GOVERNMEENT will maintain the price of local white rice at RM2.60 per kg with RM150 million allocated to absorb production costs over the next six months as re[ported recently. According to Agriculture and Food Security Minister has said this move is aimed at ensuring the continued availability of 24 million sacks of local white rice in the market. Told reported that the reform efforts will take one year. There will be another announcement in the second half of the year. Ministry said this move is aimed at ensuring the continued availability of 24 million sacks of local white rice in the market, adding that the ministry will finalise the implementation mechanism and provide further details once the plan is fully confirmed. The floor price of padi will be revised to RM1,500 per tonne, up from RM1,300 per tonne, effective Feb 16 2025. The price adjustment considers the increasing costs of labour and agricultural inputs, such as fertilisers and pesticides. This article ini "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I write about an issue reported by local media regarding local white rice price in Malaysia.

Refering to a local NST report titled 'Standardise rice prices to create 'win-win' situation, govt told' where the government has been told to standardise white rice prices at a single grade, priced between RM32 and RM34 per 10kg pack, regardless of whether the rice is locally produced or imported. This move is seen as essential to create a 'win-win' solution for all stakeholders, as several major mills are allegedly mixing local white rice with imported rice before repackaging and selling it under imported rice labels at significantly higher prices. Report from a coalition of Rice Millers Malaysia chairman Marzhuki Othman said the current ceiling price of RM26 for a 10kg pack of local white rice is outdated and in need of revision. The price of local rice at RM26 per 10kg has remained unchanged for over 16 years, back when the minimum padi purchase price was only about RM950 per metric tonne. Now with the government now setting the minimum padi purchase price at RM1,300 per metric tonne, millers are facing losses. Therefore, the price of rice should be raised to RM32–RM34 to align with the current floor price for padi. This adjustment would ensure that all parties in the supply chain, including millers, wholesalers, and farmers, are not burdened by rising costs. Marzhuki alleged that some major millers have resorted to mixing local white rice with imported varieties, labelling them as imported rice to justify higher prices. They know that at least 62 per cent of the contents in these so-called imported rice packs consist of local white rice. This practice is likely aimed at avoiding the losses faced by smaller millers like us. Consequently, smaller millers are suffering an average annual loss of RM900 million collectively due to increased padi purchase prices while rice prices remain low. With the minimum purchase price of padi set at RM1,300 per metric tonne, Marzhuki warned of a potential 'price war' among major millers who have their own wholesale networks. They could offer farmers as much as RM1,800 per metric tonne, as desired by farmers, but this would significantly impact smaller millers like us in which at the current purchase price of RM1,300 per metric tonne, combined with rice being sold at RM26 per 10kg pack, millers are incurring losses of RM600 per metric tonne of rice produced. If local white rice production stands at around 1.5 million metric tonnes annually, it's no surprise that the 70 rice mills in the country collectively face losses of up to RM900 million a year," he said. He who operates a rice mill in Perlis, said the situation has led to many millers shutting down operations due to unsustainable losses. recently only about 10 mills are still operating, and even they are barely surviving, with some on the brink of closure after enduring losses for the past two years. The padi farmers in Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Perak have staged protests, calling on the government to raise the minimum padi purchase price to RM1,800 per metric tonne.

Other related report 'The Kedah Consumers Association (Cake) says it was high time the government reviewed the RM2.60 per kilogramme ceiling price' for local white rice to address its supply shortage in the market is related (See photo above). Its president, Mohd Yusrizal Yusoff, said the price, which was last reviewed 17 years ago, is no longer relevant to the current situation, particularly the global price hike of the grain. He said while Cake welcomes the government's move to retain the ceiling price of local white rice, it is worried the supply shortage would be prevalent due to unscrupulous activity of mixing local produce with imported white rice. They believe local white rice is missing because of the global price hike, leading to a higher cost of importing white rice, while the price of local white is way cheaper. This leads to an unscrupulous act of mixing imported rice with local white rice in a pack and selling the rice at a higher price (imported rice price). There is a lack of enforcement, and we hope to see a sound policy to address this issue. They support calls by farmers to review the local white rice price and set a new price that is reasonable so that the people will not be burdened and at the same time, there is a sufficient supply (of local white rice in the market. Earlier  Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced a revised padi floor price from RM1,300 per metric tonne to RM1,500, effective this Sunday. He informed the Dewan Rakyat that the decision was taken considering the rising costs of wages, agricultural input, and the impact on rice production costs. Also announced that the government would maintain the price of local white rice at RM2.60 per kg, with RM150 million allocated to absorb production costs over the next six months. Yusrizal said Cake shared farmers' sentiments that the RM1,500 per metric tonne floor price set by the government falls short of their production cost. Despite the hike announced by the government, the floor price is considered lower compared to the rising padi cultivation costs. Today the farmers are burdened by rising costs of fertilisers, pesticides and seed that have jumped to nearly 100 per cent, with their cultivation cost having surged to nearly RM1,600 per metric tonne. Farmers who are working on small-sized, padi fields are the most affected because, on average, they are earning less than RM1,500 per month. Thanks...

By,

M Anim,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(March 2025)

NEW FLOOR PRICE OF PADI IN MALAYSIA

REPORTED recently in Malaysia that new floor price for padi to offer relief to farmers facing rising production costs. Previously in early Febuary 2025 a group of padi farmers in Jerlun during a peaceful gathering to demand for the government to increase padi floor price to RM1,800 per metric ton from RM1,300 per metric ton (See photo below). Later the new floor price for padi, set to be announced next week, is expected to provide much-needed relief to farmers struggling with rising production costs. The economists believe the move will have a positive impact, especially given the economic challenges faced by farmers. According too Prof Dr Yeah Kim Leng, senior fellow and director of the Economic Studies Programme at the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia at Sunway University has said the new floor price would be a welcome relief for farmers grappling with higher production and living costs. Padi farmers are among the low-income groups, and continued government support is crucial to ensuring adequate rice supplies at low prices while the purpose of safeguarding the country's medium- to long-term food security. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I rewrite a local media report about the announcement of new floor price of padi in Malaysia.

Actually, the ideally, income support should be tied to higher output, increased yields, and improved productivity, so that the nation's self-sufficiency ratio for rice can be raised to a more comfortable level of 70 to 80 per cent, with production costs that are competitive with imported rice. A n experts said that more research and extension efforts are needed to raise the income of poor farmers through yield and productivity improvements, thereby reducing dependency on government subsidies and income support. The price support for farmers would not affect consumers in which the amount is not passed through, at least for controlled prices, while imported rice is based on market prices determined by supply and demand as well as consumer preferences. Furthermore subsidies are being rationalised from a general to a targeted system, allowing the government greater affordability and fiscal flexibility to sustain subsidy schemes. Economist Dr Geoffrey Williams also said the new floor price for padi would help increase the income of padi farmers and local communities. In the short term, it will keep padi farmers in production. In the long term, it may encourage higher output to take advantage of the higher price, but other factors, such as production costs and market access, are also important. Almost certainly, suppliers, wholesalers, and retailers will complain about higher costs being passed on to consumers. Therefore, strong regulations must be introduced to prevent profiteering. He said that in terms of fiscal impact, the RM150 million in subsidies over six months following the price hike is relatively small and will not affect fiscal policy. However, price controls, floor prices, and subsidies are not long-term solutions. The entire industry must review its production, supply chain, and business model to ensure sustainable incomes for farmers, as well as higher supply and yields to keep prices affordable for consumers. In local media t=reported that earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, announced that a new floor price for padi would be revealed next week. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu is set to present a Cabinet paper on the price adjustment. He said the government would allocate an additional RM150 million in subsidies over six months following the price hike, stressing that any price increase for farmers would not result in higher costs for consumers. On Jan 27, 2025 the Malaysian Padi Farmers Brotherhood Organisation (Pesawah) and around 300 farmers from the peninsula called for immediate government intervention to raise the padi floor price to RM1,800 from the current RM1,300. Thanks!.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Malacca City,

Malacca, Malaysia.

February 2025.

ISSUE ON PADI PRODUCTION COST IN MALAYSIA

RECENTLY The Malaysian Government has adjusted the floor price of padi to RM1,500 per tonne, effective February 16, 2025, to help farmers absorb rising production costs and maintain the price of local white rice at RM2.60 per kg. Before reported that padi farmers bear rising service cost says a NGO group known as Pesawah. Reported that farmers are still incurring losses, with service costs reaching up to 55% despite the adjustment of the padi floor price, says the Malaysian Padi Farmers Brotherhood Organisation (Pesawah). Its chairman, Abdul Rashid Yob, said this is due to the pricing of retail diesel based on market rates in which has increased by RM1.20.  Hence, farmers must bear the rising costs of machinery, ploughing, and padi harvesting. He said that service provider rates varied by region. For example, the rental cost of padi harvesting machines in Kedah used to be RM120 per 'relung' (0.71111 of an acre) but was now RM230'. This is not regulated by the government, and farmers must absorb the overall service costs. Reported that seven months have passed, and the government has yet to take action to provide 'fleet cards' or incentives following the announcemen in which last Thursday, the government announced that the padi floor price would be adjusted from RM1,300 to RM1,500 per metric tonne, effective tomorrow.  Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu also announced that the price of local white rice would remain at RM2.60 a kilogramme in the market. And to maintain this price, the government must bear production costs amounting to RM150 million over the next six months. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I rewrite few articles regarding an issue on padi production cosat in Malaysia fir readings.

A group og padi growers known as 'Pesawah' head said that if the government could allocate RM150 million in subsidies to millers, there should be no issue with increasing subsidies for farmers. The padi industry falls under Act 522, which is strictly regulated, meaning both padi and rice prices are controlled. Since both are controlled, the government must provide subsidies to farmers. If the government wants to keep rice prices low, subsidies must be increased to offset rising costs. They hope the government will introduce a new model for the padi industry. However, tr revised padi floor price falls short of farmers' expectations as claim bya Pesawah ( The Malaysian Padi Farmers Brotherhood Organisation (Pesawah) in which they has expressed its gratitude to the government for revising the floor price of padi purchase from RM1,300 per metric tonne to RM1,500. Its chairman, Abdul Rashid Yob, expressed disappointment that the revised floor price did not meet the farmers' expectation of RM1,800 per metric tonne. Pesawah expresses its gratitude for the revised padi floor price announced by the Agriculture and Food Security Minister today in Parliament. However, we are disappointed as the revision is insufficient to cover rising costs caused by the removal of diesel subsidies and the increase in seed prices in 2024. This announcement does not meet our aspirations and meet their expectations in which is to set the padi floor price at RM1,800 (per metric tonne). Pesawah urged the ministry to reconsider the farmers' demands and to take more concrete steps to assist the farmers. 

They propose an additional RM300 padi incentive (for each metric tonne) to be given to farmers, in addition to the RM1,500 floor price that has been announced. We are also calling for a reduction in the certified paddy seed price from RM58 to RM35 (per bag of 20kg) in which was the original price before the increase in March 2024. The justification for the seed price increase at that time was the prevailing padi purchase price (not the floor price), which was RM1,700 as offered by millers. Since the purchase price has since decreased, the seed price should also be adjusted accordingly. They added that the farmers' demand for the padi floor price to be revised to RM1,800 is reasonable and well-founded. It takes into account the rising cost of living, increased diesel and seed costs, and various other challenges faced by farmers in ensuring the sustainability of national padi production. We hope the government will listen to and understand our plight. We are the backbone of the nation's food production. Without adequate support, how can we continue to produce padi to meet the needs of Malaysians". Rashid said that out of the billions of ringgit in subsidies injected by the government, only 20 per cent reached the farmers directly in the form of a padi price incentive. The remaining subsidies mentioned by the honourable Minister in Parliament today primarily benefit vendors supplying seeds, agricultural inputs, and machinery services. The core issue with subsidies is the fact that rice prices have not been reviewed for 17 years. This is why subsidies have increased every year to absorb controlled rice prices. Padi subsidies are not an act of government generosity but a government obligation because rice prices are regulated.

Earlier today, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced a revised padi floor price from RM1,300 per metric tonne to RM1,500, effective this Sunday. Mohamad informed the Dewan Rakyat that the decision was taken considering the rising costs of wages, agricultural input, and the impact on rice production costs. He also announced that the government would maintain the price of local white rice at RM2.60 per kg, with RM150 million allocated to absorb production costs over the next six months. In January, 2025 Pesawah urged the government to revise the padi floor price to RM1,800, considering the increase in operating costs for padi farmers since 2023. In other report stated that 'Govt to allocate RM150mil in subsidies to offset padi price hike' as told bye  Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu is set to present Cabinet papers next week regarding the price increase for padi. A new floor price for padi will be announced next week, as Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu is set to present cabinet papers on the price adjustment. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will allocate an additional RM150 million in subsidies over six months following the price hike. He emphasised that any price increase for farmers would not result in higher costs for consumers. Government do not want prices to rise for consumers. For now, I have discussed this with the Finance Ministry to ensure the government continues to provide additional subsidies so that local rice prices for consumers remain unaffected. The government will bear an additional RM150 million in subsidies for six months, and this decision will be finalised soon. On Jan 27, 2025 the Malaysian Padi Farmers Brotherhood Organisation (Pesawah) and around 300 farmers from the peninsula called for immediate government intervention to raise the padi floor price to RM1,800 from the current RM1,300. A memorandum, too, had been handed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's political secretary, Chan Ming Kai, at Perdana Putra on the same day. Meanwhile, responding to the submitted memorandum, he said he welcomes it and has reviewed it together with the Agriculture and Food Security Minister, assuring that the matter will be addressed. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Malacca City,

Malacca,

Malaysia.

(Febuary 2025).

FACTORS FOR LOW PADI YIELDS IN MALAYSIA

PADDY (Oryza sativa) in Malaysia was grown as an important crop for about 600,000 ha annually. Paddy or unmilled rice is Malaysia's third most important cultivated crop after oil palm and rubber. Malaysia produces more than 2.43 million tons of paddy annually in which is equivalent to around 1.68 million tons of rice. In 2023 reported that the production volume of paddy was approximately 2.17 million metric tons form various states especially from granary area.  However some factors including uncertain weather, pest attacks cited as among factors for low padi yields in Malaysia. For few years recently reporteg that uncertain weather patterns combined with the effects of pest attacks have been identified as among the factors that inflicted the country's padi yields production during the past three harvesting seasons. This article I like to write about some factors affected paddy yield in Malaysia. 

The country's padi yields currently reported as registered a drop of between an estimated 3 - 5% since early last year in which in turn reduced the supply of white rice in the local market by almost 10%. Acusations that the rice supply shortage in the market was due to the irresponsible action of rice millers or wholesalers hoarding their supply of the staple food. Suspected that the shortage was the result of some case irresponsible action by some rice wholesalers who engaged in price manipulations by switching the labels of the rice from local to imported. Such tactics are believed to be happening since there is no mechanism to regulate or control the price of imported rice. On the other hand, the price of local rice has been set at RM26 for the 10kg bag as reported by the New Straits Times Press (NSTP). There are also blamed other factors which resulted in the reduction of padi yields in the country. Among them included lands meant for padi fields being used for other purposes such as housing and industrial area. The drop in padi yield is an issue that must be addressed by the respective state governments immediately. It was reported that Malaysians may need to fork out an extra RM21 a month on imported white rice following the move by Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) to increase by 36% from RM2,350 per metric tonne to RM3,200 the price of the product recently. A wholeller said the rise meant a RM7 price hike for a 10kg bag of rice and it was a base calculation on a family of five. Following this, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has instructed padi millers and rice wholesalers to increase the supply of local white rice by 20%, through the Local White Rice Special Programme and to restore supply in the market. The ministry said the request had been agreed upon by padi millers and rice wholesalers in a joint engagement session with the North Zone Rice Manufacturers and Rice Wholesalers Industry on Aug 27 in Alor Star, Kedah recently. Through this approach Bernas will give the additional quota professionally.

In other issue reported that 'Many paddy farmers have health problems due to improper use of pesticide' related to this topic. Many of those working in the agriculture sector, especially paddy farmers, were found to have signs of health problems due to improper use of pesticide. According to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health and Health (DOSH) director-general said the findings were based on a recent research on the exposure of agriculture chemicals among paddy farmers in the Peninsular Malaysia by selected researches from Universiti Utara Malaysia. The research also revealed that a large number of paddy farmers were found to have not received any kind of training on the proper use of pesticides. Among the farmers, information on the proper use of pesticide was usually obtained from the pesticide sellers or other farmers. NST reported that the farmers were also found to be unaware of the hazard and risk of not using the pesticide properly and many ignore the importance on the proper and complete clothing and protective equipment. As a result, they are exposed to various health risks. They noted that the agriculture sector recorded the second highest in the country on cases involving industrial accidents, after manufacturing. Issue on last year in which there were a total of 42 deaths, nine cases involving permanent disability and 441 cases involving temporary disability throughout the country in the agriculture sector alone. There were a total of two deaths reported, two cases involving permanent disability and 69 cases involving temporary disability throughout the country. In Kedah alone, there were seven cases involving temporary disability last year and five cases this year. There are few  programme to provide the farmers and breeders with the knowledge on the research done and the proper use of pesticide, among others.

Local media reported in which 'CAP concerns over KADA rice yield decline' relevan to this article.  The arid condition of the padi fields in the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) area has affected the income of farmers, leading to a decline in the country's rice production. The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to take immediate action to overcome the problems faced by padi farmers in the Kemubu Agricultural Development Board (KADA) in Kelantan. Actually this action is necessary to boost their income and the country's rice production. According to CAP president known as Mohideen Abdul Kader said besides infrastructure being one of the causes of the decline in rice yields in KADA, the depletion of rice padi land due to the implementation of development projects also contributed to the lack of rice yield in the area. He said other contributing factors included threat of floods, droughts, pest attacks and loose rice padi soil.  While the rice yield in the area exceeded the national average of 4.1 metric tonnes per hectare, he said KADA still lagged behind Selangor's yield of 4.32 metric tonnes, the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA)'s 4.24 metric tonnes, and Penang's 5.05 metric tonnes per hectare. The imperfect irrigation system and its ineffective functioning of it have caused several padi fields in KADA to face imminent threat. Many rice stalks are stunted in growth and destroyed due to episodes of drought and floods. In May 2023 reported that about 7,800ha of rice crops in the (KADA) area were affected due to the hot weather in Kelantan. And in December the same year, KADA suffered a RM17 million loss due to the destruction of rice stalks inundated by flood waters. In 2022, due to problems with the drainage system, 1,000ha of padi land became loose and KADA lost 4,200 metric tonnes of rice.  This incident is of great concern to CAP and if it is not dealt with immediately, more padi land will not be able to be cultivated and will be abandoned. In order to save the future source of income and livelihood of 7,648 padi farmers and maintain the 25,149 hectares of padi fields in KADA, CAP hoped that the ministry would take immediate action on the causes of the problems. CAP also urged the departments and agencies involved to pay serious attention to the effects of pesticides and the usage of heavy machinery that could threaten the environment and affect padi fields. CAP believes that if the problems continue, not only will the KADA padi farmers experience hardship, but the food supply for the people and the country's agricultural sector will also be affected. It was reported last month that KADA had taken the proactive step of providing an additional 150 units of pumps this year to overcome the anticipated water supply challenges caused by the El Nino phenomenon. KADA said these pumps would be deployed according to farmers' current needs, covering 26,000ha of padi fields across six KADA padi planting districts. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Malacca,

Malaysia.

(December 2024).

OIL PALM AS KEY ROLE IN GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY

THE MALAYSIAN oil palm as key role in global food security as reported in many articles recently in local media. Actually,  the th Palm Oil produced in Malaysia and this region are known for its versatility that serves as a widely consumed vegetable oil worldwide and is an important ingredient in the food industry. It is mainly used as a cooking oil and also in various food applications, including margarines, spreads, confectionary fats, ice cream, pizza, doughnuts, chocolate, and emulsifiers. Palm Oil are known for its versatility, serves as a widely consumed vegetable oil worldwide, is an important ingredient in the food industry. It is mainly used as a cooking oil and also in various food applications, including margarines, spreads, confectionary fats, ice cream, pizza, doughnuts, chocolate, and emulsifiers. The world's population is growing and the United Nations estimates it to reach 8.0 billion in 2022, 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050 and 10.4 billion in 2100.  Hundreds of million people do not have enough food to eat, with the vast majority of them living in developing countries.  Developing countries including Malaysia are facing the growing threat of increasing food insecurity. Malaysia scored moderately for hunger in the 2022 Global Hunger Index, recording 12.5 in 2022 from 10.9 in 2014, likely corresponding to a rise in food insecurity because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I like to share a topic about oil palm in Malaysia as a key role in the global food security relation.

 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), food security is achieved when every individual, at any given moment, possesses the physical and economic means to acquire an ample supply of safe, nutritious food that aligns with their dietary requirements and as many preferences, enabling a healthy and active lifestyle. There are four main dimensions of food security, namely availability, access, utilisation, and stability. Palm oil has been playing a key role in addressing global food security. Palm oil is one of the edible oils recognised by the FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO). It is a versatile ingredient used in a wide range of products including cooking oil, margarine, baked goods, snacks and processed foods. Its versatility contributes to the diversity of food options to consumers. Among all vegetable oil crops, the productivity of oil palm is the highest. Oil palm has a long life span, between 25 and 30 years with production every month throughout the year. Therefore, the supply of palm oil is stable and has the largest share of production in world vegetable oil production. There is a significant growth in population, especially in the least developed countries while the amount of arable land per person is shrinking with a projected decline of 0.38 hectares in 1970 to 0.15 hectares per person by 2050. On the other hand, the world's consumption of vegetable oils has more than doubled in the past two decades, from 87 million tonnes in 2000/2001 to 237.5 million tonnes in 2020. Palm oil is the only vegetable oil that can feed the growing population. This is because it tops the list of oil crops for yield as it needs less than one-eighth as much land as soy to produce the same quantity of oil. Palm oil accounts for six percent of all cultivated land for oil crops globally but produces over one-third of the total output.

In Malaysia reported that the Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB) conducts research and development activities to improve palm oil production, quality and sustainability. Its research findings lead to more efficient and sustainable practices, enhancing food security. Researchers at the MPOB continue to work on developing new food products and animal feed formulations that incorporate palm oil. They play a crucial role in supporting the oil palm industry's contribution to the global food supply while addressing key issues related to quality, safety, nutrition and sustainability. In the aspect of price, palm oil is cost effective and hence, more affordable compared to other vegetable oils. Palm oil is more affordable for the food industry and for the community with a lower income. The production of palm oil is also sustainable and environmentally friendly. Malaysia, being the world's second largest producer of palm oil, has carried a global leadership role to ensure this.  Malaysia adopts the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Agenda 2030 and has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing these agenda as primary framework to drive higher sustainability commitment within the country's oil palm industry. This can be reflected in its national development blueprint, the 12th Malaysia Plan. MPOB aligns its activities with the UNSDGs, emphasising sustainability, environmental responsibility and social well-being. These efforts contribute to global food security and the achievement of broader development goals. MPOB's sustainable forest management practices and conservation efforts help protect vital ecosystems, ensuring the sustainability of food production. The country introduced the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme in 2015, a requirement for its oil palm industry. The MSPO Standards were revised in 2022 and contain five principles, based on the three pillars of sustainability, namely, economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally sound. The MSPO is a dynamic initiative to ensure the productivity of our palm oil continues to rise in the long run. The certification sees that plantation owners and smallholders do not compromise the sustainability of the environment. Malaysia is committed to protecting its forests, flora and fauna through conservation and sustainable management. In 1992, the country pledged to preserve 50% of its landmass under forest and tree cover at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. The country also participated in the Leaders' Declaration on Forest and Land Use and the Global Methane Pledge at the 26th Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP-26) held in Glasgow, United Kingdom in November 2021, reflecting its commitment to conserve and sustainably manage its forests and protect its flora and fauna. Malaysia's efforts to protect its forests and biodiversity are integral to maintaining a stable and sustainable food supply. By safeguarding ecosystems, promoting sustainable land management, and mitigating climate change, Malaysia contributes to its own food security and plays a part in global efforts to ensure food security for all. With its advantages in availability, affordability, and sustainability, palm oil plays a pivotal role in addressing food security for the world. Source: MPOB, Bernama and NST. Thanks......

By,

M Anem,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(January 2025).