Malaysia's KKDW to boost food security using idle government land

The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is launching a strategic initiative to enhance food security and boost the economy of smallholders. A key component involves utilizing underused government land for high-impact agricultural and livestock projects, aiming to significantly decrease Malaysia's dependence on imported food.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that idle lands managed by government agencies will be transformed for agricultural and livestock ventures. This effort is a collaborative one, involving agencies such as the Veterinary Department, Felcra, and other state and federal agricultural bodies. "Lands that are less or not fully utilized will be converted for various agricultural projects for food security and livestock," he stated during the RISDA Agromajestic Program in Johor.

The ambitious goal is to reduce the nation's food import dependency by 50% before 2050. Currently, Malaysia's food imports are valued at approximately RM80 billion annually. Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that the ministry can achieve at least a 15% reduction by 2030 and 30% by 2040, working towards the 50% target. He emphasized that while it's a long-term program, past successes provide a positive outlook for reducing imports.

Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Food Security Implementation Committee, noted that KKDW has been actively pursuing food security initiatives for the past three years. He highlighted the coordination efforts, even with ministries outside of Agriculture and Food Security, underscoring the cross-agency commitment. The RISDA Agromajestic Program in Johor serves as a platform to showcase agro-food products and enhance the economic potential of rural communities, aligning with the ministry's broader goals for productive and resilient rural development.

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Lands that are less or not fully utilized will be converted for various agricultural projects for food security and livestock.