Ministry to set up big data system on vegetable supply

SHAH ALAM: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is working on setting up a big data system to obtain real-time information on vegetable supply in this country, says its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

“I cannot give the exact time when this system will be available, but we are working hard to make it happen. I cannot promise this year, but we will try.

“In China, this big data system has a (positive) and good effect on the community there.

“Both the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) and other parties are working on this,” he told Bernama at the Aidilfitri open house for Kota Raja parliamentary constituency here yesterday.

Elaborating, he said through the system, the ministry could find out which vegetables need to be planted to avoid overproduction which could then lead to a drastic drop in prices.

Early in April, a vegetable surplus came about due to a good harvest but lower demand during Ramadan. It was made worse as most markets were closed during the long festive weekend.

Farmers’ associations from Cameron Highlands and Johor said cucumbers, tomatoes and other leafy greens were among the vegetables disposed of, causing farmers to suffer huge losses.

At that time, Mohamad said the ministry would investigate the vegetable dumping reported to be occurring in the Lojing Highlands, affecting about 500 farmers.

Yesterday, he said, the food supply nationwide was sufficient and under control, adding that the ministry would monitor the situation during the hot spell.

“So far, the supply is sufficient except for shortages involving sugar in some places. However, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry managed to deal with it immediately,” he said.