MIRI: As Malaysia advances its efforts to secure food stability, the 2024 Agriculture Census is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the agricultural sector.
This was highlighted by census commissioner and chief statistician of the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, during his visit to Taman Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan (TKPM) in Kabuloh, Subis.
With a focus on boosting national food security, he noted that the data gathered through the census would be instrumental in identifying opportunities for growth and development within the agricultural sector.
“The census outcome will serve as a baseline, enabling us to address concerns related to technology use, marketing prospects, and strategies to attract younger generations to farming,” he explained.
The census, which commenced on July 7 and will run until Oct 10, has so far achieved a 65 per cent completion rate in Sarawak.
Mohd Uzir expressed confidence that the census would reach full completion within the stipulated timeframe.
“We are on track to gather comprehensive feedback from agricultural entrepreneurs across the state, which will be vital in formulating policies to enhance our agricultural practices and ensure food security.”
Highlighting the importance of Sarawak’s agricultural sector, he stressed its significant contribution to the state’s economy, accounting for 10.6 per cent of the GDP in 2023 with a value of RM15 billion.
“Agriculture is not just about food production; it’s a critical economic driver for Sarawak,” he said.
The census, last conducted 19 years ago in 2005, is part of a broader initiative to update the country’s agricultural data.
The findings will help address emerging challenges and harness new opportunities, particularly in integrating technology into farming practices.
“Young farmers, particularly those under 40, are at the forefront of adopting technologies such as drones for tasks like fertilizing and pest control. These advancements are reshaping the future of agriculture in Malaysia,” he added.
Sarawak’s agricultural landscape is vast, with 12 permanent food production parks, including the TKPM in Kabuloh, which spans 240 hectares and involves over 50 participants.
As of now, 66.4 per cent of the census has been completed in these parks, reflecting the state’s commitment to advancing its agricultural agenda.
Mohd Uzir also shared insights into the scope of the census, revealing that it targets approximately 6,616 agricultural operators across Sarawak, with a near-equal split between urban and rural areas.
“Interestingly, many farms are located in rural regions, while their owners reside in urban areas, highlighting the diverse nature of agricultural operations in the state,” he remarked.
Additionally, the census will encompass an estimated 1,965 companies involved in agricultural activities throughout Sarawak.
Once the data collection concludes on Oct 10, DOSM will conduct a thorough analysis, linking downstream agricultural data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s impact and potential.
