The Department of Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture was established in 1905. The main task of the Department of Agriculture at that time was to implement the agricultural policies outlined by the government. Under the guidance of the Department of Agriculture, several Enactments have been approved to accelerate the development and preservation of land rights. This includes those related to (1) Abolition of contract labor, (2) Specializing land for bumiputras, (3) Blocking the entry of dangerous enemies, and (4) Granting less than 10 acres of land to true farmers for farming purposes.

In accordance with the Federal Constitution regarding matters related to the establishment of state governments, provisions have also been made to enable the establishment of State Departments of Agriculture in each state. The Department of Agriculture in each state has been responsible for implementing expansion programs to advance the smallholder sector.

In the early stages, the Department of Agriculture's efforts focused only on plant research, providing technical experts to farm operators, and extension services to smallholders. Although the Department of Agriculture is responsible for developing all potential economic crops, the Department also carries out an important activity which is developing rubber enterprises. However, aware of the increased demand from the rubber industry, the government felt it necessary to place this rubber research activity under a separate roof. Thus the Malaya Rubber Research Institute (RRIM) was established in 1926.

After the country achieved independence in 1957, the Department of Agriculture has grown rapidly and been strengthened. It is fully involved in research, providing extension and marketing services and the development of farmer organizations. However, with the establishment of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Board - FAMA (1965), the Agricultural Research and Development Institute - MARDI (1970), the Board of Farmers' Organizations - LPP (1973), the Department of Agriculture was reorganized and focused its role in providing extension services especially to farmers- farmer.

The role played by the Department of Agriculture today is as follows:

• Accelerating the transformation of agriculture into a modern, dynamic and commercial sector;
• Develop the food crop and flower industry;
• Providing consulting and technical support services;
• Protect the country's agricultural industry;
• Ensure food and environmental safety;
• Active in forums, bilateral relations, and international technical cooperation; and
• Improve human resource development.