WHICH COUNTRY PRODUCE PALM OIL - THE MOST

TODAY DUE to its versatility and resilience, palm oil has become a key ingredient in a whole host of diverse products we use daily such as detergent, lipstick, shampoo, chocolate, bread, ice cream and bio diesel. Along with the fact that it has a high melting point and doesn't spoil easily, palm oil also became enormously popular because it is relatively cheap, costing significantly less than other vegetable oils. Over the past 50 years, demand for the product has risen sharply with annual production quadrupling between 1995 and 2015 and it is expected to quadruple yet again by 2050. palm oil is now cultivated in tropical rainforests and soaring demand has caused devastating and irreparable environmental damage. Uncontrolled clearing of tropical rainforests has been linked to the destruction of the habitat of a number of endangered species including the orangutan, Sumatran tiger and Sumatran rhino. While palm oil cultivation has lifted incomes in rural parts of poorer nations it has also resulted in widespread labor and human rights abuses. Rising awareness of these issues have dented palm oil's reputation in recent years, but nevertheless, many consumers remain unaware that they are even using it. This blog "Anim Agriculture Technology" write about the most country producing palm oil.

The fact that palm oil is present in nearly every facet of our lives in which few countries are responsible for producing it. According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture and FAO Statistic, nearly 85% of palm oil is produced in just two countries that was Indonesia and Malaysia. In 2019 reported that Indonesia produced 42.5 million tons for 58% of global production while 19 million tons came from Malaysia or 26% of the global supply. Other major palm oil producers include Thailand, Colombia and Nigeria, though all three produced less than 3 million tons last year. By today, Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil in which it surpassing Malaysia in 2006 when producing more than 20.9 million tonnes as a number that has since risen to over 34.5 million tons (2016 output). Indonesia expects to double production by the end of 2030. By 2019 estimated that this number was 51.8 million tons. At the end of 2010, 60% of the output was exported in the form of crude palm oil. FAO data shows production increased by over 400% between 1994 and 2004, to over 8.7 million metric tonnes.

Malaysia is the world's second largest producer of palm oil for many years but in 1992, in response to concerns about deforestation, the Government of Malaysia pledged to limit the expansion of palm oil plantations by retaining a minimum of half the nation's land as forest cover. In 2012 Malaysia manage to produced 18.8 million tonnes of crude palm oil on roughly 5,000,000 hectares (19,000 sq miles) of land. Though Indonesia produces more palm oil actually Malaysia is the world's largest exporter of palm oil having exported 18 million tonnes of palm oil products in 2011. India, China, Pakistan, the European Union and the United States are the primary importers of Malaysian palm oil products. In 2016, palm oil prices jumped to a four-year high days after Trump's election victory in the US. Today Thailand is the world's third largest producer of crude palm oil, producing approximately two million tonnes per year, or 1.2% of global output. Nearly all of Thai production is consumed locally. Almost 85% of palm plantations and extraction mills are in south Thailand. At year-end 2016, 4.7 to 5.8 million rai (750,000 to 930,000 hectares) were planted in oil palms, employing 300,000 farmers, mostly on small landholdings of 20 rai (3.2 ha). ASEAN as a region accounts for 52.5 million tonnes of palm oil production, about 85% of the world total and more than 90% of global exports. Indonesia accounts for 52% of world exports. Malaysian exports total 38%. The biggest consumers of palm oil are India, the European Union, and China, with the three consuming nearly 50% of world exports. Thailand's Department of Internal Trade (DIT) usually sets the price of crude palm oil and refined palm oil Thai farmers have a relatively low yield compared to those in Malaysia and Indonesia. Thai palm oil crops yield 4 - 17% oil compared to around 20% in competing countries. In addition, Indonesian and Malaysian oil palm plantations are 10 times the size of Thai plantations. Colombia reported in 2018 had total palm oil production in Colombia reached 1.6 million tonnes in which it representing some 8% of national agricultural GDP and fourth in the world benefiting mainly smallholders (65% of Colombia's palm oil sector). According to a study from the Environmental, Science and Policy, Colombia has the potential to produce sustainable palm oil without causing deforestation. In addition, palm oil and other crops provide a productive alternative for illegal crops, like coca. Nigeria in 2018 are the fifth-largest producer palm oil in the world with approximately 2.3 million hectares (5.7 million acres) under cultivation. Until 1934, Nigeria had been the world's largest producer. Both small- and large-scale producers participated in the industry. Thanks...

By,

M Anim,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia

(January 2021) and updated July 2024.

Posted from,

Room 5023A, Amerald Hotel,

Desaru, Johor.

DEMAND OF SACHA INCHI IN EUROPE

SACHA INCI (Plukenetia volubilis) is native to Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Indigenous people have been cultivating the plant for centuries, but it can also be found in the wild. However, for sustainable trade sufficient volumes are not available in the wild. The fruits of the plant are star-shaped and contain seeds. By cold-pressing these seeds you extract sacha inchi oil. The oil is a clear to dark pale yellow liquid, which contains Omega -3, Omega -6 and Omega-9 fatty acids. Sacha inchi oil is used in several cosmetic product categories, as discussed in the section on market segments. The oil is now also allowed for use in foods in Europe, such as a gourmet oil for salads. For more information on this market, see our study on sacha inchi oil for food. Consumer  need to make sure that the raw materials you buy can be verified as Plukenetia volubilis. Blog "Anim Agriculture Technology" write about the demand of Sacha Inci in Europe as reported by much research for readings.

Many new farmers in South East Asia especially in Thailand and Vietnam asks about what is the demand for sacha inchi oil in Europe. The overall European cosmetics market is fairly stable, estimated at € 74 billion (RM368.24 billion) in 2017 (Cosmetics Europe). This market grew by about 0.8% from 2015 to 2016. Europe is the largest cosmetics market in the world, followed by the United States of America, China and Japan. Because the Sacha inchi plants do not grow in Europe the buyers of the oil need to rely on imports. In 2013, the European Union approved the use of sacha inchi oil for food products. An increasing number of companies from Peru have been heavily promoting sacha inchi in Europe. Demand for the oil from the food sector has outstripped demand for cosmetics use. This will probably increase demand further, together with growing demand from the cosmetics sector.

Demand for sacha inchi is growing not just growing in Europe. There is a spike in consumer interest in both the seed and the oil in the United States and Asia as well.  Currently, Peru is still the largest exporter of sacha inchi oil.  Although production of the oil in Ecuador and Colombia is growing, their role on the international market for sacha inchi oil is still negligible.  Because of the oil’s international popularity in both food products and cosmetics, countries outside of South America have started cultivating the sacha inchi plant, most notably in Southeast Asia. Currently, the companies producing sacha inchi seeds and oil in China, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, such as include Nathan Trading Co., Maï Savanh Lao and Zenda Life Foods. They are now producing sufficient volumes to start marketing the product and compete with businesses in South America, from where sacha inchi originated. Thailand is the main source of commercial cultivation of sacha inchi outside of Southern America. However, the European buyers interested in provenance prefer oil from Latin South America. Up to this point, it appears that Asian producers are mostly targeting regional markets. Moreover, there is a call for support to start a cultivation project in Myanmar, and the Agro-Ecology Learning Alliance in South East Asia is supporting a sacha inchi plantation since 2013. Malaysia eyeing to grow this crop as a new potential. Thanks...

By,

M Anim,

Senior Agronomist,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(July 2020).

Updated on July 2024.

CHICKEN EGG ISSUE IN MALAYSIA

ISSUE IN MALAYSIA regarding proposal to remove price controls on chicken and eggs to bolster food security are implemented successfully. The price controls on chicken and eggs in Malaysia are being lifted with the aim of ensuring sufficient supplies. Recently in Kuala Lumpur Prime Minister on Friday announced the lifting of price controls on chicken and eggs, and increased funding for the agricultural industry in an effort to boost food security. Reported that since February 2022, the government has spent RM3.8 billion (USD$1.1 billion) on chicken and egg subsidies. The original intent of the temporary subsidies was to control the prices of chicken and eggs that surged, as well as to overcome shortages. Current trends show that the prices of chicken and eggs are starting to stabilise and are below ceiling prices. Thus, prices will be floated so that the local market can function freely in ensuring a sufficient supply of chicken and eggs in the market. Actully Malaysia was hit by supply shortages and price hikes for key food items such as chicken, eggs, rice and cooking oil that started in early 2022, partly due to the Ukraine war that interrupted global shipments of wheat and corn both ingredients of chicken feed. Economists and industry players had urged the Malaysian government to remove the subsidies for chicken and eggs and allow market forces to determine prices, which will ensure sufficient supply. If the price is fixed and is below production costs, production will be reduced, leading to a shortage as reported by NST and Bernama. But still, some are worried that removing price controls could lift prices beyond what a normal household can afford, with chicken and eggs typically being the cheapest protein available. In this blog "Anim Agriculture Technology" I rewrite a current issue about chicken and egg situation in Malaysia as reported by local media.

Accordint to a 53-year-old housewife who wanted to be known only as Lena said and then what are we supposed to eat? Fish and beef are already expensive in Malaysia. Goverment spokesman said the details of the scrapping of price controls on poultry and eggs will be announced by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry in two weeks. In other moves to bolster food security, Mr Anwar said the government is set to spend RM2.6 billion on subsidies and incentives to support farmers and fishermen, an increase of RM600 million from 2023. The government will dish out RM3 billion to modernise the irrigation infrastructure and improve padi production to be less reliant on rice imports. The authorities are also looking into increasing rice production to five seasons within two years in several states, including Perak, Perlis and Kedah. Malaysia’s current padi output is based on two seasons a year or four times within two years meeting just 70 per cent of domestic consumption. The government spends more than RM1 billion a year to import over one million tonnes of rice to make up for the shortfall. A total of RM50 million will also be allocated to supply 50,000 rice farmers with bio- and organic fertiliser to enhance soil fertility. Another RM400 million will be allocated for a food security programme that will focus on increasing the production of local food crops. It remains to be seen if the measures announced by the Premier will prove to be effective. Talking about technology is also crucial and will be the barrier that needs to be overcome if the agenda is to be more successful. The technology needed includes research on soil, seeds and agro-engineering. It also requires skilled people, he pointed out.

In other report stated that 'Egg-ache and other pains' that was reported in Vovember 2002. A words 'Now you see them, now you don't' that occur in Malaysia appears to be facing a food crisis of sorts. It is a story of dwindling supply of eggs, chicken and cooking oil. The situation is bad enough for empty egg crates to be turned into backdrops for politicians on the campaign trail. We won't be surprised if chicken and cooking oil join the list. But the threat of the list growing to include other foods can't be ruled out. Start with the shortage of eggs. Like many in Malaysia, egg-ache is a pain that has been searching for a cure for the longest time. Our point is this: the people who are supposed to cure this have had all the time to look for a long-term solution. But they are more than happy to be on a moment-to-moment mode. So we have an inflation task force, but not a food security task force. Anyway, what can a task force do?. Start with eggs. It has an old backstory. A dozen years ago, there were 374 layer farms that produced about eight million eggs per day. In the last three years, increasing cost of production due to Covid-19 and other factors have left us with approximately 300 layer farms. Farmers were telling the government that their business wasn't sustainable without subsidies. Early this year in 2002 the layer farms told the government that it cost them 43 sen to produce an egg. Yet the government imposed a ceiling price of 37 sen, with 3 sen per egg as subsidy. Not wanting to lose 3 sen for every egg they produced, the farmers began slaughtering the chicken early. Early this month, the caretaker government relented and upped the subsidy to 10 sen. But subsidies aren't going to make the problem go away. We need a long-term solution. The farmers are pressing for the government to deregulate the egg prices. This has its own danger. Consumers will be at the mercy of profiteering producers. Expect eggs to no longer be the cheapest protein should the government agree to float the prices of eggs. Layer farms, too, may have to seriously think about their current business model and perhaps there is a solution there. For the government, there is one long-term solution to consider. Chicken feed maize and soya bean meal is costly because much of it is imported. The government should step in to help grow an alternative chicken feed industry. Oil palm kernel waste meal is a good start. At the moment, palm kernel cakes are being exported to European cattle farmers. In May 2002 reported that the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry said it would urgently consider making them available to the local poultry industry. It has been almost six months now and the industry is still waiting for the palm kernel cakes to head its way. Perhaps "urgently" means different things to different people. The price of chicken, too, is becoming unaffordable to many even at a ceiling price of RM9.40 a kg. The backstory is the same as the one for eggs: chicken feed. Solve this and you solve the chicken and egg problem. But that still leaves us with the here-today-gone-tomorrow cooking oil problem. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Seenior Agronmomist Expert,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(July, 2004).

ENSURE FOOD SECURITY IN MALAYSIA

MALAYSIA can ill afford to be continuously dependent on its neighbours should it experience any food shortage in the nearest time claim from few experts. They believe that despite pledges and commitments given by Asean members to prioritise food export commodities to their counterparts facing shortages, Malaysia has to focus on enhancing its domestic agricultural capabilities and develop a stable mechanism to ensure the country's stockpile is sufficient in the long run. As the report by Food security expert Dr Nur Ameera A. Jaz from Universiti Malaya said such a mechanism could be achieved if the government invests more in the research and development of food security, which is crucial to promoting sustainable farming practices. Citing Indonesia's success rate of 90 per cent self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) in local rice production the report stated that Malaysia could also emulate the republic's effective strategies in the agriculture sector. The success of Indonesia in achieving a 90 per cent SSR in rice production demonstrates (the republic's) effective strategies in the agriculture sector. While having Asean support is vital during crises reported that Malaysia should focus on enhancing its domestic agricultural capabilities. This through encouraging local farmers to adopt modern technologies, promoting sustainable farming practices and investing in research and development are crucial steps. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog try to report on how to ensure food security inn Malaysia.

There media report that on Thursday at the 45th Asean Ministers of Agriculture Forestry meeting here, Asean food-producing nations pledged to prioritise the export of food commodities to member countries facing shortages. Malaysia agriculture minister stated that the commitment was one of the significant decisions reached during the meeting. Malaysia will discuss the issue of food security if there is a shortage among Asean countries that they hope that other Asean countries can quickly step in to provide support. On the issue of food aid reported that the given the current scenario of local rice supply, Malaysia could also strategically seek assistance from the world's largest rice exporters, such as Thailand and Vietnam, following their significant advancements in padi production. On the other hands previously, Malaysia sourced a significant portion of its rice supply from India, making it a key player in our supply chain, but recent changes in the latter's export policies have impacted our local supply. Given the current situation (of local rice supply), Malaysia needs to import 1.2 million tonnes of rice to meet domestic as the utilisation requirements. It was also imperative that the government replenish its depleting stockpile. Malaysia cannot be too dependent on other countries to supply us with food continually and have to develop our agriculture industry and explore new methods that can produce enough food in which is at the same time nutritious and safe. The government must replenish the stockpile that is depleting, we cannot allow our food chest or food bank to be empty for so long. At the same time if no stable mechanism was developed, Malaysia cannot afford to offer its counterparts the support they need. Thailand has the resources to help us when there is food shortages in Malaysia particularly rice supply as it is our closest neighbour. Malaysia can offer them in return will depend on our food availability. In normal circumstances, we can sell them poultry and eggs.  

Touching on the youth as modern farming keys to sustainable food security also relevant. By nurturing young talents and extensive adaptation of modern farming are the keys for Malaysia to achieve sustainable food security and economic growth. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) agricultural economics expert Prof Dr Shri Dewi stressed that the agriculture sector is aging and in dire need of young blood.  Currently, majority of our farmers are ageing. Hence, we have to rely on foreign labourers to fulfil industry labour needs. By galvanising youth involvement means we will have a sustainable local work force and input for the agriculture industry in the future. Prioritising sustainable agriculture is not just an option, it's our duty to Malaysia's future generation. in Malaysia the youth involvement is imperative to digitalise the agriculture sector. If Malaysia genuinely wish to invest in technology and adopt modern farming, only the younger generation is capable of embracing it. It is time to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) and promote smart farming. Technologies such as precision agriculture, internet of things (IoT) devices, and automation can significantly enhance efficiency. The government to allocate resources for agricultural research and development to address challenges faced by farmers. The government should also facilitate access to credit and financial services for farmers and agribusinesses to invest in modern equipment, infrastructure, and input necessary in ramping up productivity. It was suggested that the government look to strengthen farmer cooperatives and organisations. All this is to enable collective marketing, bargaining power, and sharing of resources and knowledge. Enable the small farmers to participate in the agribusiness value chain so that they can reduce middleman profiteering. Source: NST. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(January 2024).

PINEAPPLE TRANSLUCENCY ISSUE

TRANSLUCENCY is a recurring problem for pineapple industry. Translucent fruit contained more sucrose, glucose and fructose in apoplast than those in apoplast of normal fruit. There were more liquid in intercellular space of translucent fruit than that of normal flesh. The contents of alcohol and ethylene in translucent fruit were higher than those in normal fruit. Translucent fruit contained less calcium than normal fruit. Electrolyte leakage of translucent flesh was more than that of normal flesh. There were 205 proteins of which the expressions in translucent flesh were higher than those in normal flesh. Calcium-ions-binding protein EF-hand domain-containing protein, ethylene-synthesizing enzyme 1-aminpcyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase, ROS-producing protein universal stress protein A-like protein were the top three proteins of which the expressions in translucent flesh were higher than those in normal fruit. When much sugar was transferred into fruit pulp and accumulated in intercellular space, water will be absorbed from cells around and translucence formed. The accumulation of sugar and liquid in apoplast were due to that cell wall and membrane were degraded, which was from being attacked by ROS. There might be more and larger pores in cell wall and membranes of translucent flesh. These data played foundations for scientist researching methods for controlling pineapple translucency. There are about 17,805 hectar area in Malaysia grown with pineapple in 2023 producing for 553,348 metric ton. Most area planted with pineapple are in Johor with 11,399 hectare (producing for 402,555 mt) followed by Sarawak (2,289 ha) and Pahang 1,362 ha). This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I share an information about occurrence of translucence issue fo pineapple. 

Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.) is an important crop in tropical- and subtropical-countries. Pineapple translucency (or water core) is a recurring problem for marketing fruit. Flesh of translucent pineapple has a water-soaked appearance. The intercellular spaces in translucent flesh are filled with liquid. Translucent fruits are fragile and prone to mechanical damage during harvest and postharvest handling. They had poor flavor and significantly lower edible quality. Issue of tineapple fruit translucency affects about 10% of fresh fruit and losses can exceed 30%. Pineapple translucency had close relationship with calcium deficiency, fruit temperature and the size of crown. Fruit translucency index decreased as the amount of calcium applied was increased. It was more severe when maximum and minimum temperature 3 months before harvest were lower than 23˚C and 15˚C respectively. Covering fruit with clear-plastic during the last 3 weeks of fruit development increased translucency severity. Fruit with larger crowns had lower incidence of translucency. Sugar content is an important component of pineapple quality. Chen and Paull (2000) found that sucrose and fructose in pineapple fruit increased rapidly since 4 weeks before harvest. Removal of 1/3 of the plant leaves 3 weeks before harvest significantly reduced fruit flesh total soluble solids and translucency incidence at harvest. Removal of crown increased translucency. These suggested that sugar accumulation in fruit had relationship with pineapple translucency. Increased apoaplstic solute sugar concentration and water movement into apoplast may lead to pineapple translucency. However, whether these processes did have happened in translucence fruit is to be identified. The mechanism underlying pineapple translucency was still unclear. In this research, sugar contents and volumes of appoplastic liquid showing water movement in translucent fruit and normal fruit were compared. The activities of cell wall invertase, an enzyme that can transform sucrose into glucose and fructose, were also measured. To understand the mechanism underlying pineapple translucency in whole scale, proteomes in translucent fruit and normal fruit were also analyzed. Results showed that the contents of sucrose, glucose, fructose and total sugar in translucent flesh were similar with those corresponding values in normal flesh. But the apoplastic contents of sucrose, glucose, fructose and total sugar in translucent flesh were significantly higher than those in normal flesh. The activity of cell wall invertase (CWI) in translucent flesh was higher than that in normal flesh. More sucrose was transformed into glucose and fructose in translucent fruit than normal fruit. Translucent fruit contained more liquid in appoplastic space than normal fruit. There were 205 proteins of which the expressions in translucent flesh were higher than those in normal flesh. There were 10 proteins whose expressions in translucent flesh versus those in normal pineapple fruit (W/C) were more than 5.6. The W/C of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO) was 11.9. Ethylene in translucent fruit was significantly higher than that in normal fruit. Translucent fruit contained more ethanol than normal fruit. There might be more reactive oxygen species (ROS) in translucent flesh than those in normal flesh, which can attack cell membrane/wall and result in more liquid released from cells. Electrolyte leakage of translucent flesh was significantly higher than that of normal flesh, there might be more pores in cell membranes of translucent flesh or the diameters of pores in cell membranes of translucent flesh were larger than those of normal flesh. There were much more liquid accumulated in intercellular space of translucent flesh than that in normal flesh in which may results in pineapple fresh fruit translucency. This is the first paper demonstrating the relationship between sugar accumulation in appoplastic space and pineapple translucency. The mechanism underlying pineapple translucency was also proposed. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Taman Cendana,

Melaka, Malaysia.

(Jun 2024).

SARAWAK GOLD PINEAPPLE LAUNCH...

THE NEW SARAWAK GOLD (SG1) NEW pineapple variety was launched in Miri recently. Sarawak’s very own pineapple variety known as Sarawak Gold (SG1) was launched today by Minister of Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi. According to the Malaysia Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) the new pineapple variety has several advantages, as among others it can be planted in high density of up to 20,000 plants per acre, grows faster, early flowering as well as being able to produce many suckers in each round. Reportef that after nine months the farmers able to start selling the fruit while in months 12 and 13 they able to start replanting. We can do two rounds in two years and can get high returns. This new variety is definitely something that Sarawakians must be proud of,” he said in his speech at the launching of the new pineapple variety at TG Agro Fruits Sdn Bhd Collection Centre at Sungai Tukau, near here. According to MPIB, Sarawak is the second largest pineapple producer in the country, but it may soon overtake Johor which is currently the largest producer by 2025. MPIB informed that under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) has set aside RM25 million to RM30 million for high-impact modernisation and enforcement programmes in Sarawak for the next five years. This allocation is to be enjoyed by all Sarawakians irrespective of their race and religion. The new variety SG1 is by far planted commercially only at a pineapple plantation at Sungai Tukau near here on 10 hectares of land by TG Agro Fruits Sdn Bhd. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology'' I reports on a new pineapple variety known as Sarawak Gold (SG1) as reported in many allocal media.

The newly Sarawak Gold 1 variant set to be game-changer in Malaysia’s pineapple industry and was set to have great potential and can be a game-changer in the country’s pineapple industry, said the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM). Its chairman, Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali and Board Member of MPIB (including me as photo above) told that the SG1 variant was imported from Taiwan to Miri, Sarawak, in December last 2021 and was officially registered by the Ministry of Agriculture. He said the initial period for SG1 pineapple trees to be planted until harvesting only took about nine months, based on trial-planting results in Miri. This situation proves that the turnover rate of SG1 pineapple plants (recovering rate) is faster than other pineapples. For example, MD2 pineapple needs 14 to 16 months while Moris pineapple needs 12 months. This shows that SG1 pineapple is able to speed up and increase the income of pineapple farmers who previously had to wait for the harvesting period from once every two years to once every year. However that some intensive studies still need to be done especially in LPNM’s plan to bring in SG1 to Peninsular Malaysia since the variant is grown on sandy soil in Miri compared to the usual pineapple grown in peat and mineral soil in Peninsular Malaysia. Its  golden orange colour and sweet and juicy taste are tempting enough to eat fresh or processed into juice, plus the crunchy pulp can be chewed and swallowed straight away because there is no residual fibre or pulp. The ability of SG1 pineapple in the production of various downstream products must also be explored further. This is important to further develop the SG1 pineapple value chain. TG Agro Fruits Sdn Bhd’s farm in Sungai Tukau, Miri in which started planting SG1 pineapples in stages on 10 hectares of land near the river for the new approach in commercialisation plans in 2021. From several aspects of yesterday’s observations, I am optimistic about the great potential of this new pineapple variant. I believe SG1 will be a game changer in the pineapple industry in Malaysia. 

In other report stated that 'New pineapple variety expected to increase Malaysia's yearly production, says MPIB' are relevant for dicussion. The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) will introduce a new variety of the tropical plant in August that would push up Malaysia's yearly production. Its chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said that the board was still carrying out research and development on the new variety. 'We will officially introduce the new pineapple variety next month. The new variety would help increase Malaysia pineapple production,” he said when met after officiating at the closing ceremony of 2030 pineapple industry development direction workshop held at a hotel here on Thursday (July 6). He added that presently Malaysia produced between 400,000 and 600,000 metric tonnes of pineapples on a yearly basis but the country was only able to supply 0.25% of the world’s pineapple demand. Sheikh Umar said the country's pineapple plantation area in 2021 was at 16,204ha with a production value of RM675.7mil with Johor being the largest pineapple plantation state, covering 63% of the total. There are currently 16 pineapple varieties planted in Malaysia but only four varieties can be exported to overseas markets. The four pineapple varieties that we export are MD2, N36, Morris and Josephine while the rest is meant for the local market. However, with this new variety that MPIB is introducing soon, meant for both local and foreign markets, it can help increase our pineapple production. Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the government has set a target of seeing pineapple production reach 700,000 metric tonnes by 2025. The government through the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, has allocated RM23mil for this year to further develop our pineapple industry. This comes as last year, Malaysia's pineapple export value reached RM1.2bil, which has seen a steady increase after being badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and we are confident of being able to get RM1.3bil in export value in 2023. He added that among the top countries that imported pineapple products from Malaysia are Singapore, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Germany. The pineapple in which has been categorised as a new source of wealth for the country, was able to generate a better economy and income for farmers and entrepreneurs. For the encouraged more people, in particular the youth, to grab the opportunity and be involved in Malaysia’s pineapple industry. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(Jun 2024).

ENSURING FOOD SECURITY FOR ALL IN MALAYSIA

TO ENSURE FOOD SECURITY the effort must be premised on agricultural land reform. Reforms must take the shape of land redistribution. There must be a proper plan to allocate more agricultural land for food farming. The available land must be transparent and open to genuine farmers. To tackle the food security issue, Agriculture and Food Security Minister already stated that the government is focusing on four pillars outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in line with the National Food Security Policy Action Plan 2021-2025 and National Agro-Food Policy 2021- 2030 (DAN 2.0). Malaysia will be focusing on four dimensions of food security as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).  These dimensions involve availability, access, utilisation, as well as stability and sustainability in which align with the National Food Security Policy Action Plan. This matter presents challenges to the ministry to ensure that the country's food security can be sustained in the long term and the national food system needs to be strengthened to be more sustainable in preparation for addressing global food crisis threats at this time. Malaysia outlined five strategic directions and the main focus of the ministry starting in 2023 to ensure that the country has a sustainable food source. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology'' blog I wrote about ensuring food security for all in Malaysia.

It related to the two-day conference brought together over 400 participants, including policy makers, academics, researchers, entrepreneurs, and community members to discuss the strategic directions of agricultural and national food security policy at UPM Serdang. The first strategic direction is to strengthen the aquaculture sector with the goal of increasing fish production from aquaculture activities to reach 60 per cent of the self-sufficiency level (SSL). The second direction is to expand cattle farming using the feedlot method to meet local and export demand for meat and increase the target of local meat production to 50 per cent of the SSL by 2025. The third is to initiate efforts to cultivate grain corn to reduce import dependency by 30 per cent over the next 10 years. The fourth direction is to enhance youth participation in the agro-food and smart agriculture sectors. The fifth direction is more relevant that was to strengthen agricultural training institutes to produce skilled youth in agricultural technology, research and development. Malaysia will explore modern and smart agriculture to ensure sustainable food security. In other views that all was in line with the ministry's requirements. Malaysia can see that the younger generation are currently not interested in entering the agricultural field because the income comes much later, and even if they do join, it's not very high. The report stated that with the modern agriculture is attracting many and for example shows that in China, a 60-year-old woman farmer can operate machinery in her fields using mobile applications alone. Malaysia are now moving in that direction with the help and expertise of various parties and it was including universities.  

On the activities reported that in Selangor nowadays the state government has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector to ensure food security for the nation. This initiative had officially marked the Sabak Bernam district as the nucleus for a brand-new economic hub that aptly named locally as the Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA).  SABDA, set to revolutionise the agricultural landscape, would focus on the implementation of modern farming techniques and technologies. One notable development within this framework is the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding during the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS 2023) for the fisheries sector. The four-day SIBS 2023 in which took up eight exhibition halls and seven conference halls of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, featured 11 events and hosted more than 1,000 trade booths. It featured six core components and five events held in parallel with the main programmes. The six main programmes were the 9th Selangor International Expo (F&B); 7th Selangor Asean Business Conference; 8th Selangor Smart City & Digital Economy Convention; 4th Selangor R&D and Innovation Expo; 9th Selangor International Expo; and 3rd Selangor Industrial Park Expo. More over, SIBS 2023 was held in parallel with Selangor International Expo MEDIC (SIE Medic); Selangor International Culinary Festival; Selangor International Coffee Week; Malaysia International Tea & Coffee Expo; and Selangor International Business Summit Invitational Golf Tournament. SIBS 2023 continues to be a platform for fostering business innovation and growth, and this year's record-breaking performance is a testament to the region's growing economic prowess. This year's SIE Medic has recorded around 20 per cent of the participating companies from overseas, showcasing the expo's growing importance for the industry. Describing this as an encouraging figure, Selangor executive councilor for public health, environment, climate change, and green technology Jamaliah Jamaluddin hopes that more industry players will assist in developing the state's medical sector. The involvement of various industry players allows them to meet, learn, explore the latest technology, innovations, and current business trends in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and healthcare services. SIE MEDIC 2023 is the third edition of the healthcare exhibition and conference that focuses on the development of the industry and will further bring together industry players under one roof towards greater business enhancement. his exhibition and conference offer industry players to converge, interact, and explore the latest technology, innovation, and current business trend in the field of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices and healthcare services. Thnks.

By,

M Anem,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(January 2024).