IPB University and FAMA Sarawak Discuss Market Opportunities for Agricultural Commodities in Malaysia

The Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development (DPMA) of IPB University paid a visit to the Persekutuan Agricultural Marketing Agency (FAMA) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Assurance of Malaysia in Sarawak. 

This visit aims to explore opportunities for cooperation in the development of agricultural commodity markets. This activity is part of the Desa Sejahtera Astra 2024 program. In the program, IPB University acts as the supervisor of the Agriculture Cluster.

The DPMA delegation was received directly by Mr Ramli Bin Mat Sani, President Director of FAMA, at the FAMA building in Kuching, Malaysia. 

In this meeting, the discussion began with a presentation on the profile of IPB University by Dr Mohammad Iqbal Irfany who explained various superior innovations that have been implemented in community service programs, including strategic collaboration with PT Astra International Tbk. 

Furthermore, FAMA Sarawak conveyed an overview of the needs of the agricultural market in Malaysia. They emphasized that the demand for agricultural commodities in the country is very high, but still depends on imported supplies. 

“This opens up great opportunities to build closer cooperation in meeting these needs through the contribution of IPB University,” said Dr Iqbal.

The discussion resulted in several important points, one of which was the potential for cooperation in innovation in agriculture, especially related to the development of rice commodities. In addition, IPB University and FAMA Sarawak also explored export opportunities for various superior agricultural products such as kepok bananas, sweet potatoes, and dragon fruit.

“This collaboration is expected to not only increase the competitiveness of Indonesian agricultural products, but also support FAMA’s vision in strengthening the food supply chain in Malaysia,” explained Dr Iqbal. 

Both parties agreed to further explore the implementation of this cooperation through technology development, capacity building of farmers, and optimization of agricultural product distribution.

Dr Iqbal said, this cooperation is in line with the vision of IPB University as a techno-sociopreneur campus that is committed to the development of technology-based innovations with real social impact. 

With the increasingly close synergy between IPB University, FAMA Sarawak, and PT Astra International Tbk, this program is expected to be a model of successful cross-country cooperation based on community empowerment and sustainable development. (*/Rz) (IAAS/NAU)