Page 88 - MAEPS - JOURNEY THROUGH THE DECADE

Journey through the decade: An Agro-Wonderland Tale

C
apitalising on

opportunities

DATUK DR MOHAMAD ROFF MOHD NOOR
Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute
(MARDI) Director-General

ARDI was set up to generate (stingless bee) honey, herbs and vegetable
and promote new technology, cultivation. These initiatives will be
M efficient for the development exhibited at the showgrounds there to
of the agricultural, agro-based and food ensure there are continuous activities.
industries. “We will also tap on the busloads of
And it has been doing just that over tourists, mainly from China, who enjoy
the decades – but now with MAEPS the dishes at MAEPS Ikan Sungai &
‘marketing’ its products. Seafood Restaurant. As those from China
This is where MARDI Director-General enjoy durians, we are considering selling
Datuk Dr Mohamad Roff Mohd Noor sees durians and durian products at MAEPS.”
the need of both entities collaborating Mohamad Roff added that a nasi
to further enhance the industry for the kandar restaurant, an equestrian arena
masses. and a mall selling agricultural products
are among the new attractions planned
for MAEPS.
We need to “We need to continuously diversify to
constantly lure people to MAEPS. The
continuously diversify idea is for MAEPS to offer the A-Z in
agriculture and to educate visitors about
to constantly lure people the industry.”
to MAEPS. Mohamad Roff says MAEPS has
the potential to lead agrotourism in
Malaysia. MARDI has several agrotourism
destinations nationwide, namely in
“Our core business is research and Langkawi, Cameron Highlands, Kuala
development and introducing new Kangsar and Cherating.
technology in agriculture. We are not in “MAEPS can be the main hub that will
the business of monetising our work. This lead tourists and visitors to the other
is where MAEPS plays a big role,” said destinations. Agrotourism is big and the
Mohamad Roff. best way to educate the people on what
“MAEPS will showcase our work and be we do in MARDI.
the conduit between us and the industry “We should capitalise on every
players. MAEPS is able to find strategic opportunity to ensure MAEPS turns into a
partners who see the value in our work.” complete one-stop centre for agriculture.”
As such, Mohamad Roff said the
opportunities at MAEPS are aplenty –
from technology to agrotourism.
“Once MAHA 2018 ends, we will
concentrate on technologies in kelulut

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