Bold 13MP rice planting plan needs science, not politics, says expert

New Straits Times

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The government's ambitious five-season rice planting plan under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) has drawn praise for its boldness—but must be firmly anchored in scientific strategy, modern technology, and transparent implementation to avoid failure, a leading expert has warned.
Universiti Malaya Institute of Biological Sciences Associate Professor Dr Muhamad Shakirin Mispan said the initiative to conduct five planting cycles in just two years could significantly improve national food security if executed properly.
"I welcome the government's ambition to boost national rice production and reduce our reliance on imports," he said.
"The proposal is undeniably bold—and if executed well, it could greatly strengthen national food security."
However, Shakirin warned that the scale and complexity of such an intensive planting schedule require addressing major technical, biological, and socioeconomic challenges.
He stressed that Malaysia's irrigation infrastructure needs a comprehensive upgrade, adding that high-precision water management is crucial to prevent crop failure.
"AI can help schedule irrigation based on real-time weather, soil, and crop data.
"The government must allocate a sufficient budget to introduce these technologies—especially for irrigation scheduling—to support farmers effectively," he said.
Shakirin also highlighted the importance of planting the right rice varieties, warning that fast-maturing and disease-resistant strains are critical to avoid widespread crop failure under an intensified cropping regime.
"We need a robust pool of adaptable rice varieties that can be rapidly deployed when problems arise," he said, urging the government to invest in variety development and cataloguing through the National Agro-Food Policy.
He cautioned that intensive farming can increase pest outbreaks and degrade soil health, underscoring the need for strong R&D support.
"If studies have already been conducted to support this initiative, they should be made public and discussed with scientists and academics.
"Transparency is crucial to ensure the sustainability of this major investment," he said.
Shakirin said rolling out the plan in states like Selangor, Perak, and Penang poses further challenges, given each region's unique soil and water conditions.
"A blanket approach won't work. Detailed site suitability assessments must guide implementation," he said.
He also emphasised the need for localised strategies that reflect the realities of Malaysia's diverse farming communities.
"Farmer demographics vary by region—in age, education, and access to capital.
"Implementation must be flexible and tailored to their specific needs," he added.
To succeed, Shakirin said the programme must be managed with strict oversight, free from political interference, and handled with professional discipline.
"We cannot afford a repeat of past mismanagement, like the recent rice shortages or the failure of the National Feedlot Centre .
"Every step must be backed by data, sound management, and transparent monitoring."
He commended the government's goal to revitalise the rice sector but said that ambition should be matched with scientific planning and governance.