The Government has begun large-scale grain corn production as part of efforts to reduce Malaysia’s dependence on imports, which currently stand at around 2.5 million metric tonnes worth approximately RM3 billion a year.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the initiative was important to strengthen the country’s food security, particularly amid the growing risks posed by climate change and geopolitical uncertainty.
He said large-scale planting projects were also being planned in Perlis and Sarawak, covering around 2,500 hectares and 5,500 hectares respectively.
“These areas will become among the main centres for grain corn cultivation, alongside several locations in Perak, Johor and Pahang where planting activities have already begun.
“We will use the MZ1 and MZ2 grain corn varieties developed by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), based on their resilience and potential for large-scale cultivation,” he said.
Mohamad was speaking after launching the locally developed grain corn varieties and visiting a large-scale grain corn production project at Genting Tanah Merah Estate in Sepang today.
He said MARDI was also continuing to focus on paddy and other crops through the development and adoption of new seeds and agricultural technologies.
On the Government’s target of achieving 30 per cent domestic grain corn production, Mohamad said the initiative was still at an early stage and would require a significant expansion of cultivated areas.
“We still have a long way to go. Here, we only have 400 hectares at Genting Tanah Merah Estate. Perhaps we are only at three to four per cent towards achieving the 30 per cent target.
“There is no official estimate yet, but we still have a long way to go because our corn import requirement amounts to around RM3 billion. It is not an easy target,” he said.
Mohamad said the first harvest from the project is expected by the end of this year, following planting activities that began in August.
The crop is expected to take approximately three months to mature before harvesting.
He added that domestic grain corn production would be increased progressively as the Government works towards achieving its long-term target and reducing the country’s reliance on imported supplies.
