THE use of new technology will be able to help overcome labour issues in the agri-commodity industry while increasing productivity, saving time and reducing costs, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister 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 agri-commodity products such as kenaf, rubber and fibre waste from the process of harvesting and extracting palm oil are suitable to produce bio-composites of plastics and other high-value fibres,” he said on the second day of the Malaysia International Agri-commodity Expo and Summit 2022 (Miaces) in Kuala Lumpur 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 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% to 3.6%,” he said.

He added that Mosti is always committed to empowering the development of new technology in the agri-commodity industry and invites local technology companies to access 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 in-demand commodity products and services as well as up-and-coming agri-technology under one roof.

The theme for this year is “Advancing Agri-commodity in Sustainable Ecosystem”. – Bernama, July 27, 2022.