MAFS URGES GREATER PARTICIPATION IN HYBRID CATTLE INDUSTRY TO BOOST MEAT SSR

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 6 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) is calling on more breeders to venture into the hybrid cattle industry to achieve a 25 per cent self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) in meat production by 2030, said its Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.

He emphasised that collaboration with various stakeholders is essential to reduce the country's reliance on imported meat.

He noted that the current SSR for meat stands at only 16 per cent, with domestic beef production recorded at approximately 30,000 metric tonnes last year.

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“MAFS has set a target to increase the country's meat SSR to 25 per cent by 2030 and we need to increase the cattle population from 726,000 to 1.7 million.

“This is a significant challenge that the government cannot tackle alone; it requires the active participation of the private sector, academia, and industry players,” he said.

He was speaking at a press conference during the opening of the Malaysian Hybrid Cattle Industry Potential Seminar 2024 at the Parliament Building. The event was also attended by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

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Explaining further, Arthur said that hybrid cattle farming is currently underway in Kelantan, Pahang, and Terengganu, while in Sabah, it is being implemented through Sawit Kinabalu, a state government company.

Earlier in his speech, Arthur highlighted the ministry’s commitment to fostering the growth and commercialisation of the hybrid cattle industry. This commitment is being driven through systematic planning and targeted initiatives spearheaded by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).

Among these initiatives is the Livestock Genetic Resources Development Project, using the 12th Malaysia Plan allocation. As part of this project, DVS has procured 22 breeding bulls to enhance frozen livestock semen production in Malaysia.

“DVS is also prioritising hybrid cattle breeding through a breeding enhancement project leveraging assisted reproduction technology. This involves developing human capital expertise and advancing the skills of artificial insemination technicians, a key component of the project. It is expected to attract more young people to pursue certification as artificial insemination technicians,” he said.

On the seminar, themed ‘Memperkasakan Industri Lembu Hibrid Pedaging’ (Strengthening the Hybrid Cattle Industry), Arthur described it as a crucial platform for discussions and awareness-building. The seminar aims to generate interest and highlight the immense potential for commercialising hybrid cattle farming in Malaysia.

The event, attended by 200 participants, provided an inclusive space for intensive idea-sharing. It also focused on enhancing knowledge of modern, high-tech livestock management techniques to support sustainable increases in livestock production.

-- BERNAMA