by AFIQ HANIF / pic by BERNAMA

There will also be more programmes for the industry to promote to increase public participation

THE government will allocate more funds to support the local agriculture in the new Budget 2023.

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said additionally, there will be more programmes for the industry to promote to increase public participation.

“This is the administration’s effort to reduce long-term dependency on imports. We want to make this more sustainable by increasing funding and implementing programmes that will help the industry grow,” he said at the launch of World Banks’ latest Malaysia Economic Monitor report today.

Rafizi hoped that this will inspire more people to engage in local agriculture in the long run.

“The specifics will be disclosed during the budget’s presentation on Feb 24,” he added.

The agriculture industry in Malaysia plays a significant role in the country’s economy, providing employment for a large portion of the population and contributing to the country’s food security.

Agriculture in Malaysia is diverse, with the country producing a wide range of crops, including rice, palm oil, rubber, fruits, vegetables and spices.

One of the key strengths of the agriculture industry in Malaysia is its high productivity and efficient use of resources. 

The country has a well-developed infrastructure for agriculture, including an extensive network of irrigation systems, storage facilities and transportation infrastructure.

“The government will continue to provide support to the agriculture sector through various initiatives, such as research and development programmes, credit facilities and training programmes,” Rafizi said.

However, despite its strengths, the agriculture industry in Malaysia also faces several challenges including declining soil fertility, increased competition for land use and the impact of climate change.

In response to these challenges, the government has been working to promote sustainable agriculture practices, improve infrastructure and encourage investment in the sector.

In recent years, the agriculture industry in Malaysia has shifted towards high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables, and away from traditional crops like rice and rubber.

This has been driven by increasing demand for healthy and diverse foods, as well as the need to diversify the country’s agriculture sector.