Enhancing food security can be done by promoting a resilient agricultural sector among local farming communities 

by ANIS ZALANI 

THE ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has the potential to impact food security in Malaysia, albeit indirectly due to disruptions in global food markets, particularly concerning commodities like wheat and other grains. 

The conflict’s repercussions can lead to supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations and possible scarcity in the global market, which can affect food prices and availability in importing nations like Malaysia as the country imports a significant portion of food. 

As the government continues to forge ahead with initiatives aimed at fortifying the nation’s food security as part of the Madani Economy strategy, experts have weighed in on the effectiveness of these measures. 

Former Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Deputy Minister Sim Tze Tzin said the risk of food insecurity might loom in the near-term, especially when India halts its rice exports globally. 

This comes after India revealed its decision on July 20, 2023, to halt the export of non-basmati white rice with immediate effect due to the purpose of reducing rice prices within the country and ensuring a steady supply of rice for domestic consumption. 

Sim said Malaysians might confront the possibility of a rice shortage within the next few months and that the short-term challenge could lead to supply fluctuations. 

To address this, he said it is imperative that the government equips itself with effective strategies such as Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) to intensify rice imports, bolster stockpiles and ensure seamless transitions to heavy production in the upcoming season. 

Looking ahead, he said future actions to combat food insecurity must revolve around technological integration as despite having ample untapped potential in rice cultivation, Malaysia’s current yield is relatively low. 

Taking Vietnam and Thailand as an example, Sim said these countries achieve around four metric tonnes per ha (MTH) while more advanced countries like China and Japan achieve eight to 10MTH. 

To do that, he said a pivotal step involves shifting from input subsidies to output-based incentives should be taken into account as the present subsidy model is outdated. 

To reduce the dependency of imported foods, the public should prioritise the purchase of locally produced fresh goods as supporting local farmers, Sim says (pic: TMRpic)

Subsidies for Farmers 

Embracing output-oriented subsidies would be able to motivate farmers to increase yields as it encourages them to aim for higher production, thus fostering a competitive drive that boosts overall output and strengthens food security. 

Sim added that while many farmers are enthusiastic about integrating technology into farming practices, the bureaucratic processes of organisations such as Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) and Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (Kada) have hindered timely adaptation. 

“Secondly, the use of technology. There are many people who are interested in using technology in farming but bureaucracy in Mada and Kada are (making them) very slow in the adoption of technology,” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). 

On another note, Sim said concerns arise about the public’s apprehension regarding the current state of food security as the nation heavily depends on imported food. 

Malaysia imports approximately 30% of rice, along with significant quantities of fruits and chilli from other countries as well as imported animal feed. 

To counter the problem, Sim highlighted that people should prioritise the purchase of locally produced fresh goods as supporting local farmers means encouraging them to increase planting and production. 

“Let the farmers make money so that they can plant more. Do not send our money overseas by buying imported foods. Also, reduce food waste,” he said. 

He added that mechanisation, technological integration and advancements in artificial intelligence stand as indispensable trends for augmenting yields across various sectors, be it paddy cultivation, palm oil, vegetables, poultry or fish farming. 

He acknowledged that the allocation of RM200 million for technological enhancements, facilitated through Agrobank, is a significant stride in the right direction.

“However, the important thing is implementation because the bureaucracy of Agrobank is not fast enough in terms of giving out to the right people,” he said, adding that there have been instances where the business community lacks access to the requisite funds, and the distribution often favours corporations over individual farmers. 

Promotion Among Local Farming Communities

Meanwhile, Agriculture Department Deputy DG of Agriculture (management and regulatory) Nor Sam Alwi said enhancing food security can be done by promoting a resilient agricultural sector among local farming communities. 

This, she said, includes a supportive policy environment that prioritises local agriculture, provides incentives for small-scale farmers and protects their rights, as well as involves land tenure security, fair trade practices and regulations that promote sustainable farming methods. 

Other than that, provide training and education to local farmers on modern and sustainable farming techniques, water management, pest control and post-harvest handling. 

“This empowers them to enhance their productivity and reduce post-harvest losses,” she said. 

This involves infrastructure development, cooperating farming, diversification and crop rotation, market access, and distribution, research and development specifically geared towards the needs of local farmers. 

She added that the adoption of innovative technologies and practices by farmers will enable them to manage inputs more efficiently, adopt new crops and production 

systems, improve the quality of their products, conserve natural resources and adapt to climate challenges
“Precision agriculture involves 

using technologies to collect data about soil conditions, weather patterns and crop health. This data collected from GPS, drones and sensors is then used to optimise irrigation, fertilisation and pest control, which also can help to more efficient resource use, operation time and higher yields. 

“The many digital platforms nowadays can also provide farmers with real-time information to help them manage decisions and risks thus maximising their profits,” Nor Sam added. 

Sim says the risk of food insecurity might loom in the near term

Other Methods 

Vertical Farming and Controlled Environment Agriculture is one of the methods that can help to significantly increase food production, especially in urban areas which are known to have limited sources of available agricultural land. 

Besides that, efficient water use is also essential for sustainable agriculture as technologies like specified irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler) and water recycling, can help conserve water resources. 

Additionally, the looming spectre of climate change is met with proactive strategies that emphasise climate-resilient agricultural practices. 

“There are several projects for soil conservation under the Agriculture Department such as the Sustainable Agricultural Management in Sensitive Areas and Site-Specific Nutrient Management Project, which aim to reduce carbon emissions in the country’s agricultural sector. 

“Climate change brings unpredictable weather patterns, extreme events and temperature shifts. Strategies for sustainable food security must prioritise the utilisation of climate-resilient agricultural practices,” Nor Sam said. This involves implementing efficient irrigation methods and practising crop rotation to enhance 

soil fertility and water retention. Proactive measures to address potential food crises and disruptions to ensure consistent food availability requires a combination of mechanisms that focus on both short-term response and long-term resilience.

Among them are strategic food reserves, early warning systems, emergency food relief programmes, support for local production and food redistribution networks. 

She added that the government takes an initiative while approving RM5 million under Budget Initiative 2023 for Sustainability Agriculture, RM17 million under “Program Pengukuhan Keterjaminan Makanan” for a selective vegetable self-sufficient ratio enhanced programme and potential land for agriculture development programme. 

On the other hand, economist Dr Nungsari Ahmad Radhi was of the view that Malaysia is not at risk of food security instability but rather food inflation and higher food prices issues, also attributing the Ukraine conflict. 

He said improving food security can be about improving access to food via agreements and trade with food producers. 

Nungsari added that Singapore, which hardly produces any food, is ranked higher in food security because it secures its food supply. 

To emulate Singapore’s success, he suggested that Malaysia leverages its strengths, particularly as a palm oil producer by pointing out opportunities to establish arrangements where commodities like palm oil are exchanged for essential food items such as rice. 

“Some arrangements could be done to secure food via palm oil,” he said. 

He concurred that an imperative path toward food security lies in the country’s ability to produce its own sustenance. 

However, this aspiration is intrinsically tied to the nation’s competitiveness on a global stage. 

While Malaysia boasts numerous comparative advantages, including fertile land, abundant water resources, and a strategically advantageous location, the nation’s competitiveness will be a deciding factor in realising the goal of increased food production. 

“We have many comparative advantages to produce food, namely land, water and location but we need to develop our competitiveness if we want to produce more food. We are basically a plantation economy, not an agri food producer,” he said. 

Commenting further, Nungsari added that Malaysia should put in place policies that convert land use from plantations to agrifood and invite investments from major food-producing companies. 

To stimulate this transformation, he suggested inviting investments from major food-producing companies, which could create symbiotic relationships with local entities and establish a resilient agrifood ecosystem. 

Nungsari also mentioned the commendable strides taken by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli who appear to be pioneering initiatives that align with this vision. 

This, he said, was seen as an encouraging signal that the nation is moving in the right direction. 

To ensure Malaysia is not at risk of food insecurity in the future, he said Malaysia needs to secure supplies, increase production, strategic stockpile and change diet to more available food. 

• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition