ATAS signs MoU with CIRAD to modernise Malaysia's agriculture sector

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 -- The Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences Association (ATAS), a newly-minted non-governmental organisation, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with French-based Cooperation of International Research and Agriculture Development (CIRAD) to modernise the Malaysian agriculture sector.

ATAS Patron Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dr Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim said the association is hoping to position Malaysia as the regional hub of tropical agricultural research, food production, agri techno-innovation and entrepreneurship development.

“With ATAS, we would like to ensure the success and sustainability of the ecosystem for tropical agriculture which is Malaysia’s main agriculture sector for export.

“The collaboration with CIRAD and with the implementation of innovative science technology methodologies, I’m convinced that we will be able to increase the food production for export, which will then boost our country’s economy,” he said in a statement in conjunction with the MoU signing and ATAS launching yesterday.

Meanwhile, CIRAD regional director for the South-East Asian Island Countries Dr Jean-Marc Roda said the MoU aimed to develop specific collaboration programmes related to the specific interest of ATAS in the long term, which include technology agriculture, smart farming and precision agriculture.

“While CIRAD has a long-standing cooperation in Malaysia on the main agricultural commodities -- i.e oil palm, forest, timber products and biomass, this cooperation with ATAS expects to develop a specific focus on agroecological transitions, food systems, climate change and territory-based approaches with a specific focus for the small farmers and their communities,” he added.

According to ATAS, the association currently has four projects addressing key areas -- rural development, marine aquaculture, plantation sector and urban farming community. 

It added that ATAS would also organise its first International Conference of Tropical Agriculture (ICTA) from May 26 to May 28, 2022, aiming to bring together leading agri scientists and academics, agri-techno-entrepreneurs, agri practitioners, community leaders and non-governmental organisations to exchange and share their experiences, research findings, best practises and success stories on all aspects of tropical Agriculture.

-- BERNAMA