SERDANG, April 7 (Bernama) -- Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is helping to strengthen the national food security agenda through the use of modern technology and the involvement of the younger generation to enhance agricultural productivity and the quality of produce.
UPM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said the country’s reliance on imported food and global geopolitical uncertainties underscored the importance of having domestic capability in food production to ensure a stable supply.
He said the use of technology in the agricultural sector was among the university’s key strategies to increase output, accelerate production processes and reduce operating costs.
"We know that the profile of farmers in Malaysia largely consists of the older generation. Therefore, one of our strategies is to leverage technology through the younger workforce, with the hope that UPM graduates can transform the profile of farmers in Malaysia.
"Without technology, we will not be able to reduce costs, nor will we be able to improve yields and quality. So that is among the strategies we are implementing," he told reporters after UPM’s event with the media here tonight.
The event was also attended by Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.
Ahmad Farhan said UPM consistently worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to address issues and intensify local food production to reduce reliance on imports.
He said the university also provided training opportunities for farmers to enhance their skills and capacity through the sharing of expertise and the application of new technologies in the agricultural sector.
He said the effort was part of UPM’s strategic agenda to help the country face economic challenges and ensure food security for the well-being of the people.
-- BERNAMA
