Kuala Lumpur: Findings from the Agriculture Census 2024 will be used for the periodic publication of agricultural statistics and for formulating, monitoring, and evaluating programmes to strengthen national food security. Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup announced this initiative, highlighting its importance for the agriculture sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product and the development of key indices such as the Agricultural Input Price Index and the National Food Security Indicator.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) emphasizes that comprehensive and up-to-date data collection and analysis are vital for planning and implementing structured and effective initiatives. The accurate and relevant data derived from the census will enable efficient resource allocation, thereby enhancing the country’s food security. Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup made these remarks during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, addressing a query from Hassan Saad (PN-Baling) regarding the status and utilization of the Agricultural Census 2024 data.

The Agriculture Census 2024, launched on July 4 last year, aims to establish the Integrated Agricultural Statistics Database (MySAgR). This database is designed to be integrated with administrative data from relevant ministries and agencies, creating a comprehensive and unified data repository. Datuk Arthur noted that the data analysis is currently at the finalisation stage of preliminary findings.

Simultaneously, the Department of Statistics Malaysia, in collaboration with KPKM, the Plantation and Commodities Ministry, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, and state and district agencies, is actively involved in data verification and validation processes.