Smallholder Support Key To Strengthening Agri-Commodity Value Chain -- Noraini
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Support for smallholders must progress in tandem with efforts to strengthen the entire agri-commodity value chain to ensure that industry growth also benefits these groups, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
Noraini said collaboration among industry, researchers, entrepreneurs, and the community is crucial to accelerate technology adoption and develop agri-commodity products.
She said that in engaging with industry players, the government focuses not only on company growth or increased exports, but also on growth which expands markets and increases demand for local produce.
“As the industry expands, opportunities for entrepreneurs need to grow, with the benefits being felt by smallholders.
“Hence, efforts to boost productivity, accelerate the use of technology and produce value-added products need to be given collective attention,” she said during the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities’ (KPK) Monthly Assembly here today.
To increase long-term income, Noraini said the replanting programme remains among the ministry’s priorities, and as of Aug 31, 4,380 smallholders have received benefits through the Oil Palm Smallholder Replanting Programme 2.0 (TSPKS).
She said the implementation covers 12,197.11 hectares, with total funding of almost RM191 million.
“We want replanting to be carried out systematically and using quality planting material. The goal is to increase productivity and provide better returns to smallholders,” she said.
In the upcoming Budget 2027, Noraini said the government intends to ensure that smallholders earn better income, while the industry adopts more modern technology and creates and sustains more value from the country’s commodities.
She said that to achieve this, KPK has proposed five strategic priorities under Budget 2027, including empowering smallholders through quality inputs, good agricultural practices and replanting programmes, and accelerating mechanisation, automation, and digitalisation via smart technology and artificial intelligence.
The ministry also wants to strengthen downstream industries through research, commercialisation of innovation, and production of new high-technology products; bolster sustainability, traceability, and compliance with international standards; and develop local talent through technical and vocational education and training (TVET), skills training, and youth participation, she added.
-- BERNAMA