KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Adopting new technology and methods in agriculture is needed to guarantee food security and expand exports, a Malaysian official said on Tuesday.

This will enable Malaysia not only to meet its domestic food security needs but also to increase exports, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) Chairman Abdul Rahman Mamat said in his remarks at Asia Smart Farming and Food Security Conference 2024 (ASF 2024).

"Agriculture has entered a new era driven by digitalization and automation, and events like ASF 2024 are crucial for facilitating the exchange of ideas, technology, and expertise. Together, we can promote sustainable practices, such as pesticide-free farming, while boosting productivity and export capabilities," he said.

Abdul Rahman noted that the MTDC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia's sovereignty wealth fund Khazanah, has funded and pushed for the integration of digital and automated solutions to enhance productivity and export capabilities in the sector, particularly in palm oil and derived products, but also in fruits, rice and other key crops.

With the theme "Pesticide-Free Farming for a Healthier Nation," this year's conference runs from Nov. 26 to 28 and is expected to attract a diverse range of visitors and participants from various sectors including the participation of foreign agricultural enterprises.

Among these is China Western Power Industrial Co., Ltd., a power generation and new technology company, which offers technological solutions including building power grids for agricultural areas.

The company's business division executive director Mo Haonan said the development of high performance photovoltaic technology and energy storage allows for the electrification of the sector in ways that were previously not possible and doing so in an environmentally friendly way.

"Our technology can solve power grid problems. We have the technology to support agricultural parks in Malaysia and in the region. This electrification and ability to provide power in off-grid areas will help the industry and boost productivity," he said. Enditem

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