Oleh: Nur Syamila Kamarul Arefin
SERDANG, October 18 – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) continues to strengthen its role in advancing national food security and empowering farming communities through the National Agricultural Community Conference (PKPK) 2025, themed “Agricultural Innovation: The Catalyst for Green Communities.”
The conference, held from 18 to 19 October at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Arts and Cultural Centre (PKKSSAAS), offers an opportunity to showcase the success of local agricultural communities while expanding engagement networks between UPM, government agencies and industry players.
Deputy Secretary-General (Policy) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), Dato’ Sri Norazman Ayob, said the close collaboration between UPM and local communities is pivotal in strengthening the economic resilience of rural populations.
“Comprehensive and inclusive knowledge transfer initiatives led by UPM experts and private partners have helped communities—particularly the B40 group—generate additional income through agricultural activities. This demonstrates that university knowledge and innovation can truly transform lives,” he said.
He encouraged UPM to continue broadening its outreach as a knowledge hub that connects universities, agencies and communities to enhance grassroots agricultural training and skills.
“The contribution of university expertise must continue so that this synergy can enhance national food security. These efforts not only strengthen the agricultural sector but also nurture a green, competitive and sustainable community,” he added.
Meanwhile, UPM Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, said the conference reflects UPM’s strong commitment to advancing agricultural knowledge dissemination through diverse, technology-driven platforms that create tangible impact for society.
“This conference is a proactive step by UPM in expanding direct engagement and expertise transfer to targeted groups through local development agencies,” he said, adding that the initiative supports UPM’s Strategic Goal 3: Sustaining the Ecosystem of Industry and Community Networks.
He noted that the rapid development of information and communication technologies calls for new approaches in agricultural knowledge sharing.
“The university’s role remains vital, but digital outreach and the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) applications must be fully harnessed. It is time for community farms to be integrated with appropriate technologies that benefit all stakeholders,” he explained.
UPM continues to anchor its contributions to society and national development on its three founding pillars — teaching, research and extension.
“To date, UPM has been actively implementing knowledge transfer and agricultural advisory programmes nationwide, empowering rural communities through training, research and technological advancement,” he added.
