October 29, 2007

 

Malaysian livestock conference aims to deliver agriculture as a green business

 

An eFeedLink Exclusive

 

 

Agriculture is business and not subsistence, Malaysia's agriculture minister Dato Haji Muhyiddin Yassin said at the opening speech of the 4th Asia Livestock and Feed Industry Conference.

 

While emphasizing modern agricultural production techniques and a move away from subsistence farming, the 3-day conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre also remained rooted in its theme of environmentally friendly production.   

 

A nation's success in agriculture depends not on whether it has vast tracts of land and resources but also on a skilled workforce ready to implement modern management techniques, new farming systems, innovative packaging and marketing, he said.

 

In many countries, agriculture has become a big business, he added.

 

This is why Malaysia has introduced its agricultural initiative headlined under "Agriculture is Business" to shepherd the industry in that direction.   Although involved heavily in agriculture, especially in the production of palm oil, Malaysia still has a small segment of the population involved in subsistence farming.   Saying that subsistence farming is no longer sustainable nor viable, Muhyiddin said the government stands ready to back up the modernisation of the sector, having allocated RM 1.73 billion (US$ 517 million) for it this coming year.

The feed and livestock sector, once a relative backward and non-competitive sector, has become a thriving multi-billion industry, he noted.

 

Malaysia is now self-sufficient in chickens and eggs, with production of 35 million and 400 million  yearly. This is typified by companies such as KFC holdings, Leong Hup Holdings, Farm's Best, Dindings Poultry CAB Cakaran and Ayam Wira, which made an appearance at the event.

 

Referring to the high corn prices which has hiked chicken prices in the country, Muhyiddin suggested the industry can be improved by focusing on growing feed, especially corn, which would reduce production costs of the poultry and egg sector.  Malaysia recently signed agreements to grown corn in Indonesia to help defray high import costs.

 

Muhyiddin also urged the industry to develop its market to capture a larger share of the lucrative Halal food market.

 

The ruminant sector is also one that should be developed further, he added. Malaysia aims to double its milk production in the next few years. Current demand stands at 1.3 billion litres annually but production is only 40 million litres.

 

Although farmers would continue to see increased costs and feeds, a focus on innovative and cost efficient strategies while ensuring food safety should mean a bright future for the agricultural industry in Malaysia.   In an apparent reference to the recent fracas over Malaysia's closure of pig farms in the state of Malacca months ago, Muhyiddin emphasised the need of environmentally friendly farming methods.   Pig farms in the state of Malacca were closed down this year as the government responded to complaints of pollution. As Malaysia is a mainly Muslim country and pork is sold to the minority Chinese population, the issue has threatened to bring racial issues to the forefront of public debate.

  

He urged poultry farmers to convert their farms to closed housing systems and for pig farmers to dispose their waste properly.

 

Environmental friendly production was also the theme of this year's exbibiton- with booths displaying close housing systems for poulty and egg production at a time when the region has made a strong recovery from a year of bird flu and new cases were still occurring in Vietnam.

 

Muhyiddin emphasised that food quality and safety are keys to gaining market access and opening up export markets.

 

According to the organisers, Livestock Asia attracted 5,000 delegates with more than 250 exhibits from 35 countries.

 

Some of the top names in feed machineries making an appearance at the seminar included : Ottovanger, Zhenchang, and Muyang Group.

 

A press release by organisers said participation has increased 15 percent since the last conference held two years ago, with delegations from most Asian countries, the UK and US.

 

The conference also included seven seminars centering on the theme of "Trends in Livestock Production for Quality Food", held in response to rising consumer recognition on quality and food safety. Topics ranged from feed management, livestock production and animal health.

 

 

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