IPOH, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) will continue supplying technology, knowledge and expertise to the nation’s agri-food sector, said MARDI director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani.
He said agri-food entrepreneurs are key partners in commercialising innovations to boost national food security and sustainable state economic growth.
“The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) aims to increase domestic productivity and strengthen the food value chain.
“Additionally, modern technology, the involvement of young agropreneurs and green economic sustainability require close collaboration between MARDI and entrepreneurs,” he said.
He made the remarks while opening the Perak MARDI Customer Engagement Day and Entrepreneurs Carnival 2025 in Kuala Kangsar, today.
Mohamad Zabawi said today’s programme bolsters community ties and supports the development of agri-food entrepreneurs, noting that it also serves as a strategic platform for MARDI to engage grassroots customers, understand real field needs, and ensure its technologies and innovations are practical, relevant, and impactful for users and the industry.
“The Customer Engagement Day reflects MARDI’s commitment to staying close to the community, while the Perak Entrepreneurs Carnival shows that MARDI is not just a research institution but also a catalyst for agri-food and agro-industry entrepreneurship,” he said.
Mohamad Zabawi said today’s agriculture and agri-food sector depends on strong synergy among research, technology transfer, and entrepreneurs who turn innovations into commercially viable products and services.
The one-day programme included displays and sales of products by MARDI-guided entrepreneurs, advisory sessions, agri-tech demonstrations, certificate and planting material handovers, and engagement with related agencies.
-- BERNAMA