Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) is intensifying its focus on technology, data and innovation to drive a smarter, more sustainable and resilient national agriculture and agricommodities sector, Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said. She emphasized that the future of the sector would increasingly rely on modern technology and innovation rather than just land size or labor force.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Noraini highlighted that in today's global context, efficiently, intelligently, and sustainably producing food and agricultural commodities is essential for national resilience and strategic security. Her speech, delivered by Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii at the National Agricultural and Food Engineering Convention (NAFEC) 2026, underscored the importance of these advancements amidst global challenges like geopolitical tensions, climate change, and labor shortages.

The convention, organized by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and attended by MPOB director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, carried the theme 'Revolutionising Field Operations: Automation, Digitalisation, AI and Future Ready Technologies'. Noraini stressed that Malaysia should aim to be a creator and exporter of agricommodities-related technologies rather than just a consumer.

In the palm oil industry, local innovations like the CANTAS motorized harvesting tool, drones for estate monitoring, and digital plantation management systems have already shown the potential of technology. Noraini affirmed KPK's commitment to this transformation by enhancing policies, incentives, and research through institutions like MPOB. She also called for developing a workforce with advanced technological skills and locally made machinery to lessen dependence on imported technology.