RM14.1 billion livestock products in nation

KUCHING: The livestock industry in Malaysia has grown significantly with a total ex-farm value of RM14.1 billion in livestock products in 2013.

Malaysian Society of Animal Production (MSAP) president Dr Abu Hassan Muhammad Ali revealed yesterday that 76 per cent of total value was contributed by the poultry sub-sector with RM7 billion in poultry meat and RM3.6 billion in eggs.

“Poultry and swine dominate local livestock production, having achieved more than 100 per cent self-sufficiency,” he said at the 1st Asean Regional Conference on Animal Production 2014 and 35th Annual Conference of MSAP held at Riverside Majestic Hotel here.

Themed ‘Bridging Technology Gap for Asean Animal Production’, the three-day conference was attended by over 200 participants from Malaysia and abroad including Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Iran, Vietnam, China, United States, Iran, Sudan and Nigeria.

“The livestock sub-sector is one of the most dynamic agriculture sectors in Asean,” he said.

“Besides contributing to overall economic growth, providing employment, wealth creation and ensuring food security, livestock are a major source of income and mode of savings for the rural poor,” he added.

Livestock farming, Hassan further added, has been and continues to be one of the means of alleviating poverty in pro-poor programmes of countries and development organisations.

However, self-sufficiency for ruminant products in Malaysia was still less than 30 per cent.

“Malaysia relies heavily on the import of live animals, beef, mutton, and dairy products to meet the demand of domestic consumption and the processing industry,” he said.

Imported products, he revealed, mainly come from traditional sources such as India, Australia and New Zealand.

“Malaysia has to enhance beef production so we are able to meet at least 50 per cent of our requirement and not be overly dependent on imported beef,” he urged.

Thus, Hassan said new strategies and approaches should be considered by the stakeholders of the industry to address this issue.

“Major challenges for the livestock sub-sector are not only to increase farm output but also strengthen competitiveness while managing risk, so there is sustained growth,” he explained.

“The sub-sector must use resources in a sustainable and optimal way, meet the market with innovations in products, services and delivery systems that recognised consumer needs and their rights,” he advised.

Hassan hopes the livestock industry can explore various options, innovations and experiences that have accumulated within the region and other developed nations.

“The application of scientific knowledge, research and value innovations should be emphasised to increase production, productivity, quality and higher value along the value chain,” he said.

The theme of the conference, Hassan pointed out, was chosen by the society as an expression of concern with regards to the global development of the livestock industry facing numerous challenges, especially to transfer livestock technologies generated by researchers to be adopted at the needing end.

“The society believes there are opportunities and options that can be explored together by all players of the industry from the Asean region,” he said.

“The linkages and bonds between scientists, government officers, producers, service providers, farmers and stakeholders of the animal industry need to remain strong so that together we can initiate changes and improvement of the industry towards fulfilling the growing demand for food,” he urged.

Hassan assured that the society would continue to support Malaysia’s effort of increasing livestock production in this country.

“The society with expertise from its members would also like to offer services such as consultancy and training to organisations and the government in developing strategic livestock production plans and technical programmes for the development of the livestock industry,” he said.

He welcomes input, suggestions and requirements from various interest groups so that activities can be organised for the betterment of the livestock industry.

“For those involved in the industry, you are most welcomed to join the society and share your passion and vision with us,” he added.

The conference features speakers from local and abroad presenting plenary papers and oral presentations as well as a mini exhibition on posters of research conducted by local scientists and post-graduate students.

Deputy Chief Minister and Modernisation of Agriculture Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Alfred Jabu Numpang represented Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem in opening the conference.

Also seen were assistant Public Utilities (Water Supply) Minister Datuk Sylvester Entri, organising committee chairman Prof Dr Loh Teck Chwen, and state Agriculture Department director Lai Kui Fong.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/06/06/rm14-1-billion-livestock-products-in-nation/#ixzz34Jw1wQnv