Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan

Dato’ Mohd Mokhtar Ismail“We need to innovate to increaseproductivity, practise betterfarming technologies, use inputmore effectively and judiciously,and increase mechanisation andvalue-added activities to operatein a highly competitive businessenvironment”rice are made to ensure that the varieties and grades of rice stocked can meet thedemands of the domestic market. Furthermore, the production of food crops hasbeen given greater prominence. Increased allocation is given for the productionof fruits and vegetables through the development of Permanent Food ProductionParks, Aquaculture Industry Zones, and also for the rearing of cattle and goats.In addition, incentives are also provided to ensure farmers obtain fair returns fortheir produce. The marketing and distribution system is also improved through thedevelopment of new distribution and collection centres, as well as making availablemore direct-marketing channels such as farmers’ markets.We also embarked on a programme to identify and develop idle land and ponds forcrop cultivation and fish rearing. All of us can play a significant part in ensuring foodsecurity. Under the Food Security Policy, the public is encouraged to plant vegetablesfor their own consumption while the excess can be sold. The Government providesseeds to interested households. Interested parties are also encouraged to rearedible fish such as the catfish in their home compound. Maintaining food securityalso requires us to think long-term and build an agriculture system that lasts. It isin our interest to promote sustainable agriculture, which integrates environmentalhealth, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. In summary, to ensurelong-term food and nutritional security, the only viable alternative is for Malaysiato increase its competitiveness in food production. For the industry to remainrelevant and competitive in the midst of the global environment, transformationfrom a routine-oriented to a creativity-oriented sector must occur. We need toinnovate to increase productivity, practise better farming technologies, use inputmore effectively and judiciously, and increase mechanisation and value-addedactivities to operate in a highly competitive business environment.119