Veggie farmers seek govt’s help to expedite big data system

Useful records: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is working on setting up a big data system to obtain real-time information on vegetable supply in the country. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: A big data system on vegetable supply in the country should be implemented and spearheaded by related agencies such as the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama).

The Federation of Vegetables Sellers Associations’ president Lee Kha Shiuann said this was because the federation and its member associations lacked the financial and technical capability to do so.

“Therefore, it is better for the related agencies such as Fama to implement the system as it has better resources and the technical know-how,” he said on the system announced by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu recently.

Mohamad said early this month that the ministry was working on setting up a big data system to obtain real-time information on vegetable supply in the country.

Lee said the system would not only help farmers plan which vegetables had to be planted but also stabilise vegetable prices.

In urging the Federal Government to expedite the setting up of the system, he said the move could help prevent overproduction of vegetables, which would lead to a drastic drop in prices.

He said the system would also allow farmers to carefully plan for the planting season.

“If a farmer wants to plant ladies’ fingers, he or she can know how much of that crop is needed.

“If ladies’ fingers is already in abundance, there will be no need for them to plant that crop during that particular period,” he said after the 49th anniversary dinner of the Federation of Vegetables Sellers Associations here on Saturday.

Penang Vegetables Wholesalers Association chairman Tan Ban Ben said the price of vegetables had dropped significantly after Hari Raya Aidilfitri due to lower demand.