EL-NINO WORSENS THE FOOD SUPPLY

WHAT A SERIOUS EL-NINO WORSENS the plight of Asia’s rice belt especially in Asi region are discussed in this article. The dry spell is sweeping across Asia’s rice fields, dealing another blow to farmers grappling with steep fuel and fertiliser prices triggered by the war in Iran and godzilla El-nino issue. Reported that from Vietnam to the Philippines, production of the region’s most important food staple is under threat as a strengthening El Nino prolongs dry weather. That includes India, the world’s top grower and exporter, where the crucial monsoon rains that began in June are running about a sixth lower than normal so far. The lower harvests risk driving up food prices, fanning inflation at a time when economies are coping with the fallout from the war. Thailand rice prices, an Asian benchmark, recently touched an 18-month high, and the most-actively traded futures in Chicago are up about 40% this year as supply concerns intensify. According to a farmers that was so worried known as Nguyen Van Trung said at the edge of his 1ha rice paddy in central Vietnam he have already applied fertiliser three times but the rice just won’t grow because there’s not enough water (See photo above). Two months of drought have already withered the water-intensive crop, yellowing fields in parts of central Vietnam. Rain finally came this month, but some farmers said it’s too little and too late. Rice farming is no longer profitable when the grain in Quang Tri province with his family. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I share my concern about the impact of El-Nino risks worsens for the food supply in Asia.

The issue of using fertiliser, plowing and harvesting have all become more expensive this year in 2026 as claimed by many paddy farmers in Southeast Asia and Asia. Reported that for the rice growers, the drought is more than just a spell of bad weather and with the war driving costs higher, many are unable to afford the extra irrigation and investment needed to protect their crops as they enter a critical growth phase. For me the combination of a drier monsoon, higher groundwater pumping costs and lower fertiliser use poses the biggest risk to this year’s harvest, according to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) located in Philippines. IRRI study found that individually, many of these shocks may be not in manageable situation as quoted by a senior scientist at the institute but collectively, they threaten rice production in major rice production country. Ample global inventories have capped prices until now but that support may be shifting. Reported that the US Department of Agriculture has trimmed its estimate for season-ending stockpiles and expects production this season to decline for the first time in 11 years. In central Luzon, the Philippines’ largest and most populous island, late June 2025 typically heralds the beginning of the rice-planting season and this year, however it was different. For farmer known as Joe Pangalilingan, who employs five people on his 12-ha rice farm, was forced to push back sowing due to a shortage of water to flood the fields and he are already experiencing El Nino whereby farmers didn’t know how to prepare for this kind of calamity. Isuue on more expensive fuel and fertiliser are magnifying the challengesm while global fertiliser prices have eased recently and farmers are yet to benefit. Hos friend known as Iya Abrazado, who is part of a local cooperative that farms 330 ha on Luzon, said she resorted to 'dry-seeding' her field because she could not afford diesel for the irrigation pump. The method entails planting rice directly in non-flooded farms, instead of the usual two-step transplanting of seedlings that consumes more water. Abrazado is also using less fertiliser and turning to cheaper organic nutrients. Hotter and drier conditions are forecast to spread across Asia as El Nino intensifies over the next few months, threatening crops in some of the world’s top rice-growing regions.

Reported that El Nino typically weakens the summer monsoon in most of South Asia, threatening rain-fed crops such as rice and corn. Drought risks stretch from Pakistan and India through mainland South-East Asia and eastward to Indonesia and the Philippines, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said in late June. Governments are concerned about shortages that may crimp exports. Vietnam has warned that a severe El Nino may affect rice crops over 350,000ha. The Philippines and Malaysia are also bracing for drops in output in the coming year. In India, rice sowing so far this season is about 1% lower than last year, according to farm ministry data, as key growing states are facing a rainfall deficit as of July, the main planting month. Rice production in rain-fed areas may be lower because of the monsoon deficit while farmers in irrigated states may have to draw more groundwater to protect their crops, said Siraj Hussain, India’s former farm secretary. Still, overall output is unlikely to drop by more than 5%, he added. In Indonesia, a prolonged dry spell may stoke food inflation and as concerns over supply intensify and exporters face rising costs, the balance of risks increasingly points toward firmer prices over the coming 12 to 18 months.  The threats, however and it extend deeper. In many of developing Asia, where tens of millions of smallholders operate on razor-thin margins, each climate shock arrives with fewer financial buffers and higher risks to livelihoods and food security. A farmer might first lose crops, then livestock, and with that their entire livelihood with cascading impacts of multiple crises already evident, there is an urgent need to act early. Aid agencies warn that this year’s El Nino threat is being amplified by record global temperatures and growing geopolitical instability. Even a moderate drought can prove devastating in low and middle income countries, or those facing unrest and chronic hunger. Myanmar is among the countries most exposed to catastrophic weather events. The FAO and World Food Programme have identified it as a hunger hotspot, where climate extremes are compounding an already severe humanitarian crisis. With a lot at stake, farmers, scientists and governments are rethinking how to grow the region’s most important staple crop in a more challenging environment. The IRRI is promoting climate-resilient rice varieties. Agritech startup Rize is scaling up techniques that can reduce water consumption by as much as 30%, said chief executive officer Dhruv Sawhney. Back in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, which produces more than half of the country’s rice, rising costs have forced farmers like 50-year-old Tran Thanh Vu to cut production or switch to crops such as coconut. More farmers haven’t got enough money to invest yet and they are more worried about price fluctuations than climate change respectively.

In Malaysia a quwstion on 'Super El Niño: How Food Secure is Malaysia' discussed repeatedly. The strongest El Niño in recorded history has formed in the Pacific Ocean. Historically, an El Niño, which contributes to global warming, had relatively little impact on food security in Malaysia. Within Southeast Asia the major impacts have been drought in Indonesia, the Philippines, and southern Thailand, but Malaysia’s well-irrigated rice lands tend to produce at normal levels. However, a major impact on Malaysia is through the cost of rice imports because the world rice price almost always rises during significant El Niño episodes. The current ‘Super El Niño’ could well impact Malaysia through pricier rice imports, but the country’s status as a ‘multistaple food system’ should protect it from serious nutritional problems. The most intuitive way to measure a multistaple food system is to calculate the ‘starchy staple ratio (SSR)’, the sum total of starchy staples relative to total caloric intake. In 2023, the last year for which data are available from the UN Food Balance Sheet (FBS), the starchy staple ratio for Malaysia was 0.36. It is composed of calories consumed from four starchy staples (rice, 700.5 kcal/cap/day; wheat, 300.4; maize, 51.7; and potatoes, 33.3, for a total of 1,085.9 kcal/cap/day). Average caloric intake by Malaysian consumers in 2023 was 3,000 kcal/cap/day so the SSR was 0.36. The starchy staple consumption in Malaysia is actually characterized by diversity and there are four significant commodities, one of which is completely imported (wheat). In sharp contrast, the SSR in Bangladesh is 0.80, of which 0.77 comes from rice (potatoes are eaten as a vegetable, but still count as a starchy staple). The SSR can also change significantly over time. Bennett’s Law stipulates that the SSR declines with rising income because of an ‘innate desire for diversity in the human diet’ (Bennett, 1954). Indonesia has a food system with many similarities to that of Malaysia. In 1976, the SSR for Indonesia was 0.77. By 2023, the country’s diet had diversified significantly and the SSR was 0.59. The reality for Malaysia is that four significant starchy staples give its consumers considerable flexibility to change their consumption patterns when food prices change. Although this reality complicates efforts to manage Malaysia’s food economy especially efforts to keep food prices stable it does provide considerable resilience to the country’s consumers as they cope with rapidly changing food prices. This resilience will be extremely important as the full brunt of the Super El Niño is felt throughout Southeast Asia. Although Indonesia and the Philippines are usually the hardest hit from typical El Niños, Malaysia will not be spared from this one. Domestic rice production is likely to decline, at least slightly, and additional rice imports will be needed. The most recent United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) analysis of the world rice market was released on 10 July 2026 (USDA, 2026). The results of most interest to Malaysia are shown in Table 1. The projection for marketing year 2026–27 is quite reassuring. The Philippines imported extra rice last year and expects to maintain its reserves in the coming year. It seems unlikely that there will be significant ‘panicked buying’ even in the face of the severe El Niño that is now underway. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist Expert,

Putrajaua,

Malaysia.

(September 2026).

VERTICAL FARM ABLE TO PRODUCE 1,000 TONS/YEAR

The fully wind-powered, hydroponic farm grows its plants with LEDs will be the new technology for future food production. If you buy lettuce in the winter in Denmark, it will probably be imported from Spain or Italy - or even from Kenya. But a new vertical indoor farm on the outskirts of Copenhagen will soon begin producing 1,000 metric tons of greens a year locally. The Danish company running the farm, in partnership with a Taiwanese tech provider, says that similar farms covering an area the size of 20 soccer fields could fully supply the country’s entire demand for greens. The farm is the work of YesHealth Group known as a Taiwanese company that has spent the last decade developing vertical farming technology. The company developed the largest vertical farm in Taiwan in which is profitable (unlike several North American vertical farm startups), and the largest vertical farm in China (the Chinese farm supplies food to employees rather than selling it). In Denmark recently it’s partnering with Nordic Harvest as a startup that aims to make food production more sustainable through technology. This article in ''Anim Agriculture Technology" blog share an article by Fastcompany.com titled as 'This vertical farm in Denmark will grow 1,000 tons of local greens a year' for references.

Like most other indoor farms in which the facility uses hydroponics, technology that grows food with little water, and doesn’t require the use of pesticides. (It also avoids the risk of disease outbreaks like salmonella that can happen on outdoor farms.) The company makes its own LED lights, which have become far more efficient over the last decade; electricity is one of the largest costs of this type of agriculture. The new farm, covering more than 75,000 square feet, will run fully on wind power, slashing the carbon footprint of production. In theory, because the greens will be much fresher when they reach grocery stores and consumers, the system can also help reduce food waste. The majority of the farm, with 14 shelves of greens stacked up toward the ceiling, is automated, so labor costs are low. When the greens are sold in Danish supermarkets beginning in January 2021, they’ll be priced similarly to organic greens, though Stella Tsai known as the general manager of YesHealth Group, says that it will soon be competitive with conventional produce. “In this kind of growing method, you can control every cost,” she says. “You won’t be influenced by the climate, so you can [grow on] a new schedule.” YesHealth Group plans to expand to other locations in Europe, and will also move into Singapore, the Philippines, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa in the year 2021. Thanks...

By,
M Anim,
Taman Cendana,
Melaka City, Melaka,
Malaysia.
(December 2020).
Updated by September 2026.

TARGET 30% GRAIN CORN IN MALAYSIA

MALAYSIA launched new local grain maize (corn) varieties and kicked off large-scale commercial cultivation at Genting Tanah Merah Estate in Sepang, Selangor to slash its RM3 billion annual import dependency. Led by Agriculture and Food Security Minister stated that the national initiative targets a 30% self-sufficiency rate to stabilize local chicken and egg prices. Reported that the project highlights and goals is for Import Reduction in which Malaysia currently imports 100% of its grain maize (roughly 2.5 million tonnes yearly) and for an 
Initial Output where the local production aims to cover 3% to 4% of domestic demand in its initial phase. Government aim the target to achieve at least a 30% domestic production buffer against global supply and geopolitical shocks. There are few major hubs for a large-scale planting is underway across Perlis (2,500 hectares), Sarawak (5,500 hectares) and alongside active sites in Perak, Johor and Pahang respectively as reported by local media. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I rewrite the latest development of grain corn industry targeted in Malaysia recently.

A report stated 'Nation targets 30% grain corn self-sufficiency to reduce import risks' in which Malaysia is stepping up large-scale grain corn cultivation to reduce its dependence on imports and strengthen national food security amid growing climate and geopolitical uncertainties, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said. He said the move was critical as Malaysia currently relies entirely on imported grain corn to meet domestic demand. Malaysia are now facing hot weather and El Nino which is expected to be more severe next year as is what we are forecasting but we cannot predict geopolitics. It can happen anywhere and Malaysia need to prepare so that even if cannot be fully self-sufficient at least produce part of our requirements in Malaysia. Minister was speaking to reporters at the launch of a local grain corn variety and large-scale grain corn cultivation programme at Genting Tanah Merah Estate in Sepang today. Malaysia could no longer afford to rely entirely on overseas supplies but noting that the country imported an average of 2.5 million tonnes of grain corn annually between 2010 and 2024 at a cost exceeding RM3 billion a year. Malaysia should target at least 30 per cent for the domestic production, equivalent to a 30 per cent self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) to provide a buffer against potential disruptions to international supplies. This would serve as a defensive buffer and shock absorber should a supply crisis occur overseas and reported that a large-scale cultivation was also planned in Perlis, covering about 2,500 hectares and Sarawak covering approximately 5,500 hectares. The two states are expected to become among the country's major grain corn cultivation centres, alongside planting that has already begun in parts of Perak, Johor and Pahang. The domestic grain corn production remained relatively small, but output from projects in Sepang and Perlis was expected to begin becoming evident towards the end of this year.  

On other local media reported that Malaysia has taken a step towards reducing its 100% dependence on imported grain maize through large-scale local production to meet domestic demand. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the move was crucial to strengthening the country’s food security, particularly amid geopolitical uncertainties and the risk of disruptions to global supply chains. This is our effort with Mardi (Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute). Alhamdulillah, Mardi has produced the MZ1 and MZ2 grain (maize varieties), which are suitable for large-scale cultivation at Genting Tanah Merah Estate in Sepang. We hope this initiative will continue. Now, we are starting large-scale production of local grain maize...the most important thing is the cooperation of large companies,” he told a press conference after officiating at the launch of the Local Grain Maize Varieties and Large-Scale Grain Maize Cultivation here on Monday. With the theme “Memperkasa Industri Jagung Bijian, Memperkukuh Keterjaminan Makanan Negara”, Mohamad said the large-scale grain maize cultivation project currently covers about 400 hectares, with the first harvest expected by the end of this year. A collaboration with private companies including Genting Plantations Bhd is crucial to ensuring the development of the local grain maize industry can be carried out commercially and on a large scale. The local grain maize production was expected to meet around 3% to 4% of domestic demand at the initial stage, while reaching the 30% target would require a large-scale expansion of the cultivated area.Currently Malaysia’s annual grain maize imports currently stood at about 2.5 million tonnes, valued at RM3 billion, making efforts to boost local production crucial to reducing dependence on external supplies. Ministry plans were also underway for large-scale grain maize cultivation covering about 2,500 hectares in Perlis and 5,500 hectares in Sarawak, while planting had already begun in Perak, Johor and Pahang. Expressing optimism about local grain maize production, he said the pilot project could help stabilise chicken and egg prices, as the commodity is one of the key ingredients in livestock feed. This is because chicken prices depend heavily on the cost of chicken feed. We currently import 100% of our soybeans and grain maize. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(August 2026).

VEGETABLE HARVESTS IN MALAYSIA

MALAYSIA'S VEGETABLE HARVEST relies primarily on highland farms (like Cameron Highlands) for temperate produce and lowland farms for tropical varieties. Cultivation occurs year-round and yielding staples such as highland cabbage, kangkung, sawi, bayam, salad and long beans. However up to 50% of this produce is lost in the post-harvest supply chain. Reported that Malaysia’s tropical climate allows for rapid growth cycles with some leafy greens ready for harvest just four weeks after planting. The popular leafy Greens such as Sawi, Bayam, Kangkung are harvestable in 20 to 40 days in commercial farming system. Reported also the fruiting vegetables csuh as chilli, okra/Lady’s Finger, Long Beans, Brinjal, cucumber are harvestable within 60 to 90 days.

For herbs such as coriander can be picked in 3 to 4 weeks while lemongrass takes 4 to 6 months before harvest. Stated that the national production for tropical vegetable production are achieving over 100% self-sufficiency in items like the popular tomatoes, spinach, and cucumbers but also report Malaysia imports a large portion of its total vegetable needs. Local agriculture faces rising challenges regarding logistics and extreme weather, which can cause supply disruptions and price fluctuations. For direct access to fresh the locally grown produce in the area consumer able to purchase and support local harvests through community-supported agriculture (CSA) boxes and nearby organic farms. malaysia market access for vegetable started farm-to-table delivery services or browse community farmer listings through the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and private sectors. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I share an information about vegetable harvest in Malaysia for readings.

Malaysia’s agricultural sector faces severe vegetable harvest challenges including post-harvest losses of 20 - 50% due to poor cold-chain logistics, skyrocketing fertilizer and fuel costs and extreme weather disrupting yields. These issues result in unstable market supplies and surging retail prices across the country. The key Issues Impacting Vegetable Harvests in Malaysia including the massive Post-Harvest Losses and reported up to 20 - 50% of local fruits and vegetables that are lost in the supply chain before reaching consumers. This is largely due to poor sorting, improper packaging, and inadequate cold-chain transportation. The cause of Extreme Climate Conditions in Malaysia was unpredictable in which the heavy monsoon rains cause flooding that physically destroys farmlands while prolonged hot and teh dry spells increase evaporation during January to March each year. This requires farmers to depend heavily on diesel-powered water pumps, increasing operating costs during dry seasons. Other factor affecting the vegetable harvest sich asa the surging of the operational and input costs whereby the farmers are grappling with 30 - 40% spikes in fertilizer prices also chemicals and higher transportation and labor expenses. Because many smallholder vegetable farmers are ineligible for government diesel subsidies, profit margins remain razor thin. The issue of labor shortages and demographic shifts was the serious impact because there is a heavy, unsustainable reliance on foreign labor in the agricultural sector. The stricter migrant workforce quotas and job scam crises have limited farmhands, while the younger generation is increasingly migrating to urban areas, resulting in an aging farming demographic. The unregulated or Illegal Farming Practices whereby in key hubs like the Cameron Highlands the older farmers who lack for successors are renting land cheaply to undocumented foreign farmers. These unregulated operations often rely on cheaper, low-grade pesticides, which distorts the market and harms local land resources. Last is the mitigating the impact is to counter these systemic issues and stabilize food security, advocates like the Consumers Association of Penang are encouraging citizens to grow their own produce. On a broader scale, researchers and the Universiti Putra Malaysia propose transitioning to modern agricultural frameworks, such as vertical farming, AI-powered smart sensors, and advanced predictive supply chain analytics.

Reported that Malaysia exports millions of ringgits in vegetable products, primarily shipping temperate produce (like those from Cameron Highlands) and tropical crops. Singapore, Japan and China remain the largest buyers of Malaysian vegetables. The government strictly regulates agricultural exports to ensure safety and quality standards. Navigating Malaysia’s vegetable export industry involves specific requirements, markets and procedures such as the Key Export Destinations in which Malaysia’s vegetable harvest primarily serves regional neighbors and selects international markets especially to Singapore as the largest importer of Malaysian fresh produce and benefiting from immediate land connectivity and high demand. For Japan as a major premium buyer of Malaysian vegetables such as Japanese cucumbers and specific other agricultural products are at commercial scale. For the other markets reported that the significant volumes are also exported to China, Thailand and Indonesia. Actually, reported for export compliance and phytosanitary needed to export fresh vegetables legally and successfully where farmers and exporters must comply with strict international trade laws. The phytosanitary certification for every destination has specific quarantine and health requirements. Farmers must obtain a Health Certificate or Phytosanitary Certificate verifying the produce is pest-free and safe from the Department of Agriculture. There are many facilities of operator in export for registration such asa the farms, packing houses and also processing facilities must often be registered and approved by the government for traceability and food safety purposes. The key resources and steps for exporters they must coordinate with local agricultural and trade authorities including the theDepartment of Agriculture (DOA). DOA are governing body responsible for inspecting and issuing necessary export certifications and health documents. You can review their official DOA Phytosanitary Requirements to understand international protocols. Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) are providing support programs, food certification procedures, and lists of approved exporters and processing facilities. The domestic market challenges while exporting yields higher margins for certain premium crops, the local sector struggles to maintain a steady self-sufficiency level for staples like cabbage. Malaysia relies heavily on vegetable imports (especially from China and Vietnam) in which can occasionally cause oversupply issues for domestic farmers. Post-harvest losses reported able to cause by poor handling and inadequate cold chain infrastructure also pose challenges within the domestic supply chain. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Malacca,

Malaysia.

(Prepared by June 2026).

Updated September 2026.

POPULAR RICE FOOD IN MALAYSIA (Part 2)

MANY CITIZENS know that rice is the main staple food in Malaysia, deeply tied to the country's daily diet, culture, and food security. An average person in Malaysia consumes about 76.7 kilograms of rice every year. Nasi Lemak among the most eaten rice in the morning in Malaysia as an iconic dish go for international. The consumption and culture rice as daily meals in which rice is eaten at almost every meal, appearing in breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are many famous dishes in which as steted an iconic national meal like nasi lemak (coconut rice), nasi kandar and banana leaf rice use rice as their base. Rice is a key part of traditional for ceremonies, weddings, and festive feasts (kenduri) across different communities. In case of production and supply from local farms such as the major rice-bowls like Kedah and Perlis grow local paddy, but domestic production only meets about 56% to 60% of the total need. Malaysia buys or imports the remaining rice from countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, India, and Cambodia. The government keeps a national rice buffer stock to handle any sudden supply change. For me as Malaysia Citizen took the most popular rice food in Malaysia is Nasi Lemak which is widely considered the country's national dish, featuring fragrant coconut rice, spicy sambal, and crunchy anchovies. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I wrote about some popular food based on rice for in Malaysia.

The Chicken Rice among vary popular dish in Maays eaten bya all community. Nasi ayam is a tender poached or roasted chicken served over seasoned rice cooked in chicken stock. In Malaysia, nasi ayam literally translates from Malay to 'rice' in which it is a beloved culinary staple consisting of fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, tender chicken (poached, roasted, or fried), and savory sauces. The components for chicken rice include the Rice that was cooked with chicken broth, ginger, garlic, and pandan leaves for a rich, aromatic flavor. Second important components was the Chicken that served either boiled (steamed/poached) or roasted/fried with a sweet soy-based sauce (kicap manis). The meal includes some sides such as fresh cucumber slices, a bowl of clear chicken soup, and a tangy, spicy garlic-chili dipping sauce. There are many menu or style for this meal such as Hainanese Style Chicken Rice in which it rooted in Chinese tradition, featuring pale, silky poached chicken and seasoned oily rice. Also popular was the Malay Style Chicken Rice in which it features roasted or spiced fried chicken with a slightly sweeter soy glaze, often served with a distinct local chili paste. The commercial outlet in Malaysia are Chicken Rice Shop (CRS) with hundreds of outlets throughout Malaysia. Nasi ayam prices in Malaysia generally range from RM4.50 to RM22.90 per plate, depending on whether you buy from a local hawker stall, a food delivery app, or a restaurant chain like The Chicken Rice Shop. The study of price breakdown by location type in which for Gerai Jalanan or Kedai Kopi (Stalls) normally priced for RM4.50 to RM7.00 per plate for standard portions. At the food court or for online delivery (Foodpanda/Grab) it priced for RM8.50 to RM13.00 per set or ala-carte meal. In the Restaurant Chains (e.g., Value Meals) priced for RM19.90 to RM22.90 for single-pax complete sets.

Among local popular menu based on rise are Nasi Goreng or 'Fried Rice' and prepared with many styles. Many citizen in Malaysia prefer the popular local style of spicy fried rice distinguished by its reddish-brown color, heavy use of dried anchovies (ikan bilis), and fiery kick from bird's eye chillies (cili padi) or chili paste.  The key ingredients for nasi goreng were the rice base and cold, pre-cooked leftover rice ar freshly prepared. The aromatics and spice include pounded shallots, garlic, and crushed bird's eye chillies or dried chili paste. For better umami elements the fried anchovies (ikan bilis) and shrimp paste (belacan) and some vegetables such as Kangkong (Water spinach) or mixed vegetables. For the toppings usually served with a sunny-side-up fried egg (telur mata) and extra fried anchovies. The price of nasi goreng (fried rice) in Malaysia generally ranges from RM4.00 to RM18.00, depending on where you eat and the ingredients added.A study for price breakdown by jocation such as at the Roadside Stalls or Mamak (Kedai Kopi / Warung) with a Basic Nasi Goreng (Biasa/Cina) priced for RM4.00 to RM7.00 per plate. For Nasi Goreng with Meat/  or Chicken priced for RM7.50 to RM11.00 and at Cafes or Casual Dining the Nasi Goreng Kampung or Special variants priced for RM12.00 to RM18.00 and for delivery Apps (Foodpanda or Grapfood proced at higher due to platform fees from RM11.00 to RM15.00+ per portion direct to home.

Nasi dagang is a famous Southeast Asian meal made of rice steamed in coconut milk, served with a rich fish curry. It is a very popular breakfast choice on the East Coast of Malaysia, especially in Terengganu and Kelantan. The key ingredients for nasi dagang sre the rice that prepared from a mix of regular fragrant rice and glutinous (sticky) rice cooked with coconut milk, garlic, and fenugreek seeds. Then component of the Fish Curry or locally called as 'Gula' and it is usually made with ikan tongkol (mackerel tuna) in a thick, spiced coconut gravy.
The Sides: Often topped with hard-boiled eggs, pickled cucumber and carrots (acar), toasted coconut flakes (kerisik), and sambal. It was a popular food at East Coast Peninsular Malaysia as a daily breakfast staple in Terengganu and Kelantan for breakfat and Hari Raya Meal. Today ll Malaysian Citizen able to enjot nasi dagang throughout Malaysia and it fFound in parts of Pahang, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Darawaj, Southern Thailand and the Riau Islands in Indonesia. From my study Nasi dagang prices generally range from RM2.00 for basic budget packets up to RM12.00 for standard cafe portions, and over RM30.00 at upscale restaurants. However the price breakdown fot the Budget / Kampung Packets Nasi Dagang priced for RM2.00 to RM5.00 for small takeaway wraps with tuna fish (ikan tongkol). For the meal of Standard or Coffee Shop Portions Nasi Dagang priced for RM6.00 to RM10.00 for a regular plate served with fish or egg sides. In restaurant it pticed for RM12.00 to RM36.00+ for deluxe sets, extra proteins like beef or prawns or dining in upscale urban locations. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Seenior Agronomist,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(August 2026).

POPULAR RICE FOOD IN MALAYSIA (Part 1)

MANY CITIZENS know that rice is the main staple food in Malaysia, deeply tied to the country's daily diet, culture, and food security. An average person in Malaysia consumes about 76.7 kilograms of rice every year. Nasi Lemak among the most eaten rice in the morning in Malaysia as an iconic dish go for international. The consumption and culture rice as daily meals in which rice is eaten at almost every meal, appearing in breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are many famous dishes in which as steted an iconic national meal like nasi lemak (coconut rice), nasi kandar and banana leaf rice use rice as their base. Rice is a key part of traditional for ceremonies, weddings, and festive feasts (kenduri) across different communities. In case of production and supply from local farms such as the major rice-bowls like Kedah and Perlis grow local paddy, but domestic production only meets about 56% to 60% of the total need. Malaysia buys or imports the remaining rice from countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, India, and Cambodia. The government keeps a national rice buffer stock to handle any sudden supply change. For me as Malaysia Citizen took the most popular rice food in Malaysia is Nasi Lemak which is widely considered the country's national dish, featuring fragrant coconut rice, spicy sambal, and crunchy anchovies. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I wrote about some popular rice for best food in Malaysia.

The Nasi Lemak is Malaysia's national dish. It consists of fragrant rice cooked in rich coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with a spicy, savory sambal (chili paste), crispy fried anchovies (ikan bilis), toasted peanuts, fresh cucumber slices, and a hard-boiled or fried egg. Known as it was originating in Malay cuisine, the name literally translates to "fatty or rich rice" in Malay, referring to the creamy coconut milk used to cook the rice. The components include the rice as the backbone of the dish, typically infused with coconut milk and aromatic pandan leaves and the Sambal as a critical component that is spicy, sweet, and savory chili paste is usually cooked with onions, garlic, and shrimp paste (belacan). For thr acompaniments some traditional garnishes include crunchy roasted peanuts, salty crispy ikan bilis (anchovies), cool cucumber slices and a boiled egg. For me while the traditional dish is simple, vendors often serve it with extra protein with a common add-ons include fried chicken (ayam Goreng), spicy chicken, crispy fried chicken or rendang. Rendang ia a tender, slow-cooked beef or chicken in a rich and spiced coconut gravy or more tasty with Sambal Sotong (Spicy squid). It was served traditionally in which nasi lemak is wrapped into a cone shape using banana leaf (See photo above). The leaf adds a distinct, earthy aroma to the warm rice. Historically it was a portable with high-energy meal packed for farmers and fishermen, but today it is enjoyed as a staple breakfast or comfort food throughout the day in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. The best was how to prepare the rice that was soaked and cooked in rich coconut milk and pandan leaves for a signature aroma. The Sambal witha sweet, fiery and savory chili paste that brings the dish together. For tastier eaten with crispy fried anchovies (ikan bilis), roasted peanuts, a hard-boiled or fried egg, and fresh cucumber slices. Nasi lemak prices in Malaysia vary by type and location, ranging from basic wrapped portions at RM1.00 to premium restaurant sets exceeding RM15.00. However, for Nasi Lemak Bungkus (Basic) sold at RM1.00 to RM2.50 for street-side or stall packets with anchovies, egg, and sambal, for Nasi Lemak Biasa (Plate) proced at RM3.20 to RM5.00 for a standard dine-in portion with basic condiments. On other choice the Nasi Lemak with Chicken priced at  RM8.40 to RM14.00 when paired with fried chicken (ayam goreng) or curry chicken (ayam gulai) and for Nasi Lemak with Seafood or Meat proced at RM10.50 to RM17.50 for premium proteins like squid (sotong) or daging kambing (mutton).

 

Nasi Kandar are the steamed white rice served with an assortment of heavy, mixed curries and side dishes as photo above. Reported that nasi kandar is a popular northern Malaysian dish consisting of steamed rice served with a rich mix of curries, meats and othe many side dishes. The name comes from 'nasi' or rice) and 'kandar' as a shoulder pole are representing how early Tamil Muslim street vendors balanced pots of food on poles. It component include the rice with plain white rice or mildly spiced rice (like briyani). The during presentation there are 'The Gravy Mix' or ocally known as 'Banjir' in which the customers ask vendors to pour a mix of different curry sauces 'kuah' over the rice and creating a deep blend of spicy and savory flavors. Normaly eaten with the sides include fried chicken (ayam goreng), beef, mutton, squid, shrimp, and vegetables like okra or eggplant. Nasi kandar prices typically range from RM10 to RM20 for a standard plate with rice, fried chicken or beef, and vegetables. Premium options like lamb shank or large seafood items can push the total past RM35 to RM70. Normally for standard Plate Costs Basic Chicken Set it priced at RM10.00 to RM14.00 for rice, mixed curry (kuah campur), vegetables, and a piece of fried or onion chicken. If include additional Beef or Mutton Set the proce reach RM12.50 to RM16.00 for standard beef/mutton curry with rice and vegetables. There are also Fish Set with priced at RM11.50 to RM14.50 depending on the type of fish and curry selected. Recently the viral ad-on include a premium Lamb Shank cost for RM55.00 extra on average if added to your plate. My experience took Large Prawns or Squids was priced for RM15.00 to RM22.00+ for large individual seafood portions.

NASI CAMPUR (Mixed rice) are an everyday economy rice choice where you pick and choose your own meat and vegetable dishes (lauk) from a buffet. Nasi campur in Malaysia means mixed rice that was popular everyday meal consisting of a scoop of plain white rice paired with a choice of meat, fish, and vegetables from a large display. The component may includes a plate of steamed white rice and has to pick your favorite sides and the has to pay for the rice according to the chosen items all together.  Many customer may has a common Food Choices such as meats, fried chicken, beef rendang and curries or some seafood such as fried or grilled fish and squid. The variation of vegetables may include the stir-fried long beans, cabbage, spicy sambal and many others. In Malaysia the Nasi Campur prices typically range from RM4 to RM15 per plate and depending on the choice of side dishes, the location, and whether any option for budget stalls or standard coffee shops. Basic vegetable and egg plates cost about RM4 to RM7, while plates with chicken range from RM7 to RM12, and seafood or large fish selections can push totals to RM15 or more. In recent study the price breakdown by Lauk (Side Dishes) in which The Basic or Budget Set (Rice + Veg + Egg) started from RM4.00 to RM7.00 respectively, For chicken or Beef Dish (Rice + Chicken/Meat + Veg) it priced for RM7.00 - RM12.00 and for Fish or Seafood Dish (Rice + Fish or prawns + Veg) priced for RM10.00 - RM15.00 accordingly. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(August 2026).

GROWING PAPAYA IN MALAYSIA - A REVIEW

GROWING PAPAYA (Carica papaya) in Malaysia is a popular commodity in which reported an area of 2,234 hectare was planted eith producing 48,009 metric ton for domestic and export market (Source: Fruit Statistic Report, Department of Agriculture, Malaysia 2026). Reported growing papaya practically at home involves choosing sunny spots, ensuring well-draining soil, managing water carefully, and providing regular organic nutrients. The suitable soil and planting area must enough supply of sunlight for the area with 6 to 8 hours of direct daily sun. Choose area with best soil that was loose, loamy soil with a pH around 6.5 to 7.2 to prevent any water pooling past 48 hours to avoid root rot. The recommended spacing for papaya plants 2 to 3 meters apart to give their roots room. Growing papaya need best care and maintenance for agronomic practices especially in watering to keep soil moist during growth and flowering but cut back if the ground stays wet from heavy rain. Apply organic compost or balanced fertilizer every month and keeping granules away from the soft trunk. Threats of pests and watch out for aphids and pest like mealybugs. Ensure to clear away weeds gently without digging deep into shallow surface roots. From my observation that the most popular and commercially significant papaya variety grown in Malaysia is Eksotika (along with variants like Eksotika II and Sekaki), famed for its sweet flavor and smooth texture. Some key commercial varieties choices are fo Eksotika variety that released by MARDI in 1987, this is a Malaysia's flagship export papaya, known for its sweet, orange-red flesh, uniform size, and juicy texture. The Sekaki Variety produces very large fruits (often weighing over 2 kg) with thick flesh and a mild sweetness, highly favored for local fresh consumption. The third variety known as Betik Eksotika II due to an improved line offering similar high-quality dessert traits to the original Eksotika. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I write about the growing activity of papaya in Malaysia for reading purposes. 

The cultivation of papaya trees and the prevention of premature fruit drop involve a comprehensive approach that addresses various factors, such as water stress, nutrient deficiency, and pest and disease pressure, as well as the implementation of effective pest control strategies.Water stress is a critical factor for papaya trees, which have a shallow root system and require regular and consistent watering to maintain the correct level of soil moisture. From my observation that avoiding waterlogging is essential to preventing root rot. Watering needs vary based on the soil type, with sandy soils often requiring more frequent watering. Implementing a drip irrigation system and using mulch can help conserve soil moisture. The nutrient management is important whereby papayas are heavy feeders that require a balanced intake of nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Conducting a soil test can help identify specific nutrient deficiencies and guide the application of balanced fertilisers. Care must be taken to avoid over-fertilisation, particularly with nitrogen, to prevent excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production. For pest and disease control is vital in which the common pests, such as aphids, spider mites and fruit flies, along with diseases such as papaya ringspot virus, can significantly impact the health of papaya trees. Therefore, regular inspection is crucial. These include employing organic insecticides and maintaining overall plant health to effectively manage these challenges. One natural pest control method involves pesticides that include Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a soil bacterium. They are effective against certain insects, particularly caterpillars. Botanical insecticides such as neem oil, which acts as an insect repellent and fungicide, and pyrethrin, derived from chrysanthemum flowers, offer natural solutions for pest control. However, pyrethrin should be used cautiously to avoid affecting the beneficial insects. Actuallny for a physical controls, such as barriers, nets and sticky traps, are essential for protecting papaya trees from birds and insects. Hand-picking pests or infected fruits can also be an effective method, especially in small-scale settings. These natural and physical methods, when combined, can significantly reduce pest pressure on papaya trees, thereby minimising the need for chemical interventions. In summary, successful growth and fruiting of papaya trees requires a holistic approach that includes careful water management, balanced nutrient application, and diligent pest and disease control using a combination of natural insecticides and physical barriers.

Reported that Malaysia has been involved in the development of genetically modified (GM) papayas since the 90’s and its progress accelerated after the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) joined the Papaya Biotechnology Network of South East Asia coordinated by the International Services for Acquisition of Agribiotech Applications (ISAAA) in 1998. The focus of the Network was on development of papayas with resistance to papaya ringspot virus disease and papayas with delayed ripening, the two major constrains to the papaya industry at that time. In Malaysia, the current research is on development of GM papayas with resistance to Bacterial Die Back (BDB), the most devastating disease that currently holds back investment in papaya cultivation. Several lines for delayed ripening papaya are ready for field testing and ultimately commercialization. However, all GM materials must undergo preliminary contained and later restricted field trials to establish the risk assessment with findings of no significant impact (FONSI) before they can be released for more extensive open field trials and commercial planting. The Hawaiians for example, have spent many years in the deregulatory process before they could release their world’s first GM papaya “Rainbow’. The documentation of the Biology of Papaya particularly in the Malaysian context is important for the risk assessment in the later release of GM papayas. This document covers the origin, distribution and trade, the ecology the plant requires for optimum growth and development, botany, genetics, propagation and cultural practices. Important considerations in Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI), relating to toxins, allergens, weediness and potential for gene transfer are also presented. This is an important reference for researchers and regulatory bodies for the release of GM papayas in the Malaysian environment. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Pytrajaya,

Malaysia.

(August 2026).