The increased use of technology in the agricultural sector can continue to generate more income for the country and help Malaysia become self-sufficient in its food production.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the agricultural sector must be modernised to make it a more value-added industry.
He said the government had approved RM200 million which has been utilised for the Technofund scheme under the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi).
“Through this, more than RM7.5 billion worth of value- added products have been produced under the National Key Economic Areas for agriculture, ranging from that under the biotechnology and biomass sectors, as well as many others,” Muhyiddin said, adding that the value-added products can create new riches for the country.
He reiterated that the agriculture and agro-based in dustry's scope also needs to be widened to meet the varied needs of many, as well as in addressing the issue of food security.
“Food security still remains unresolved and is afflicting the global community.
“Although our country is still working to become a self- sufficient nation, we still need to produce more to be able to export it to other countries and address food shortages, given the increasing global population,” he added.
Muhyiddin also called on youths to participate in the agriculture and agro-based industry and discard stereotypes that the industry did not offer good returns.
“With the increased use of modern technology, youths can put their creativity and skills to good use in this sector.”
He said that with the right training programme, youths can be absorbed into the agriculture and agro-based industry.
Muhyiddin said that the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism International Show (MAHA) 2012 is a great platform to exchange knowledge.
Muhyiddin was speaking after visiting the MAHA 2012 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) here yesterday.
The event which began on Nov 23, has already received more than 600,000 visitors in just two days and will end on Dec 2.
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