SEPANG: Malaysia is taking steps to reduce its reliance on imported grain maize by ramping up local production.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (pic) said the initiative is crucial for strengthening the country’s food security, in view of geopolitical uncertainties and potential disruptions to global supply chains.
“This is our effort with Mardi,” he said, referring to the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute.
“Mardi has produced the MZ1 and MZ2 grain maize varieties, which are suitable for large-scale cultivation at Genting Tanah Merah Estate in Sepang. We hope this initiative will continue.
“Now, we are starting large-scale production of local grain maize.
“The most important thing is the cooperation of large companies,” he told a press conference after launching the Local Grain Maize Varieties and Large-Scale Grain Maize Cultivation programme here yesterday.
The programme currently covers about 400ha, with the first harvest expected by the end of this year, Bernama reported.
Mohamad said collaboration with the private sector is crucial for developing the local grain maize industry on a commercial and large scale.
“At the initial stage, local production is expected to meet about 3% to 4% of domestic demand. Achieving the national target of 30% would require a significant expansion of cultivated areas,” he said.
Malaysia imports 2.5 million tonnes of grain maize annually worth about RM3bil.
Mohamad said plans are also underway for large-scale grain maize cultivation covering about 2,500ha in Perlis and 5,500ha in Sarawak, while planting had begun in Perak, Johor and Pahang.
He expressed optimism that the initiative could eventually help stabilise chicken and egg prices, as grain maize is a key component of livestock feed. Grain maize is dried corn that is used as animal feed.
“This is because chicken prices depend heavily on the cost of chicken feed. We currently import 100% of our soybeans and grain maize. Now, we have the technology to produce grain maize locally,” he said.
