KUALA LUMPUR: The use of new technology will be able to help overcome labour issues in the agricommodity industry while increasing productivity, saving time and reducing costs, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
He said the search or development of products using the latest technology is also important to increase the added value of a basic product.
“For example, raw agricommodity products such as kenaf, rubber and fiber waste from the process of harvesting and extracting palm oil are suitable to produce biocomposites of plastics and other high-value fibers,” he said on the second day of the Malaysia International Agricommodity Expo and Summit 2022 (MIACES) here today.
In this regard, Adham said companies, farmers and smallholders can interact with agencies under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and also technology companies supported by the ministry to get the help and support they need.
“I also invite the farming and commodity ecosystem to come forward to seek any advisory services regarding the technology solutions offered to be widely adopted by farmers and smallholders,” he said.
The minister also said that MOSTI, through the National Robotics Roadmap 2021-2030, will help further improve the sustainability of the country’s various main industrial sectors, including the plantation and commodity sectors.
“This plan will be able to contribute to the increase in annual labour productivity growth in Malaysia from 1.8 per cent to 3.6 per cent,” he said.
He added that MOSTI is always committed to empowering the development of new technology in the agricommodity industry and invites local technology companies to explore the funds provided by the government to speed up the research and development as well as the commercialisation process.
MIACES 2022 is a three-day event held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
It showcases an exhibition of in-demand commodity products and services as well as up-and-coming agritechnology under one roof.
The theme for this year is “Advancing Agri-commodity in Sustainable Ecosystem”. – BERNAMA
