Kuala kangsar: The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) will continue supplying technology, knowledge and expertise to the nation's agri-food sector, said MARDI director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani. He emphasized the importance of agri-food entrepreneurs as key partners in commercializing innovations to enhance national food security and sustainable economic growth.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Zabawi highlighted the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security's (KPKM) objective to boost domestic productivity and strengthen the food value chain. He emphasized that modern technology, the involvement of young agropreneurs, and green economic sustainability necessitate close collaboration between MARDI and entrepreneurs.

He made the remarks while opening the Perak MARDI Customer Engagement Day and Entrepreneurs Carnival 2025 in Kuala Kangsar today. Mohamad Zabawi noted that the programme reinforces community ties and supports the development of agri-food entrepreneurs. It also serves as a strategic platform for MARDI to engage grassroots customers, understand real field needs, and ensure its technologies and innovations are practical, relevant, and impactful.

The Customer Engagement Day demonstrates MARDI's commitment to staying close to the community, while the Perak Entrepreneurs Carnival illustrates that MARDI is not just a research institution but also a catalyst for agri-food and agro-industry entrepreneurship. Mohamad Zabawi stated that the agriculture and agri-food sector relies on strong synergy among research, technology transfer, and entrepreneurs who transform innovations into commercially viable products and services.

The one-day programme included displays and sales of products by MARDI-guided entrepreneurs, advisory sessions, agri-tech demonstrations, certificate and planting material handovers, and engagement with related agencies.