_Written by Mohd Fakhri Mohd Noor. This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on August 26, 2024 - September 1, 2024_

The agrofood sector plays an important role in Malaysia, contributing to over 11% of gross domestic product. This is significant, and among the many players in the sector, we have the heart and driving force of the sector — the farmers — to thank.

Our farmers play a crucial role in feeding our population. However, they face numerous challenges in doing so — and these trials are in addition to their current operating environment which has extreme weather events, rising geopolitical tensions and complex global supply chains all at play.


From our ongoing conversations with the farmers in our FarmByte ecosystem, we know that a key issue that farmers face is their vulnerability to market fluctuations. This, coupled with their weak market connections and a lack of transport options for their produce, means that farmers are often unable to access more lucrative markets. The consequence of this is their produce is sold at lower prices.

At the same time, many farmers still lack insights into the types of crops to plant and key information on current cutting-edge farming techniques that can help them increase their yield and thus earn better incomes.

How data-driven platforms can help farmers
In the face of these challenges, we believe that the need for data-driven technology or having a data-driven platform is more apparent than ever. This is why we at FarmByte, conceptualised and launched our FarmByte app, which leverages a data-driven approach.

A data-driven platform allows farmers to make informed decisions based on real-time data and predictive analytics. This data can range from soil health and weather patterns to current market trends.

By leveraging such information, farmers can get the insights and guidance needed to optimise their crop selection, planting schedules and resource allocation. For example, precise weather forecast data can enable farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation, planting schedules and crop management.

Additionally, having data on market trends, supply and demand fluctuations and historical pricing would allow farmers to grow crops that are more likely to fetch higher prices, thus increasing their profitability.

Another key pain point of the farmers whom we engage with is that they are often underpaid by intermediaries or the middlemen. However, with data-driven platforms, farmers can facilitate direct connections with buyers, bypassing the middlemen and, hence, reducing transaction costs.

By participating in digital marketplaces, farmers can also reach a broader audience and negotiate better terms for their products. This direct market access not only increases their revenue but also fosters stronger relationships with buyers, promoting long-term business sustainability.

With sustainability being a growing concern in agrofood, data-driven platforms play a crucial role in promoting environment-friendly practices. By providing insights into efficient resource use, these platforms can help farmers reduce their ecological footprint.

For example, data on water usage and soil moisture levels can guide precision irrigation practices, conserving water resources. Similarly, data on crop health can inform integrated pest management strategies, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

Moving up the value chain
It has become increasingly clear that farmers have a lot to gain from data-driven platforms.

These platforms serve as a catalyst for transforming traditional agrofood into a more efficient, sustainable and profitable sector.

By providing actionable insights, optimising resource use and facilitating market access, as well as improving financial inclusion, these platforms enable farmers to move up the value chain. As our agrofood sector continues to evolve, getting farmers to leverage and embrace data-driven platforms will be essential for farmers seeking to thrive in a competitive global market.



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Data Driven: Empowering and uplifting agrofood farmers

FarmByte is a digital-driven food aggregator focused on transforming the agrofood industry and enhancing food security for the nation through digital solutions, sustainable practices, and comprehensive support for farmers.

What is FarmByte?

The FarmByte App supports farmers by providing real-time updates, market price insights, and automating various processes to simplify farming operations, enhance productivity, and ensure fair pricing.

How does the FarmByte App help farmers? 

Our range of products and services cover the entire agrofood value chain. At the upstream level, we offer our FarmByte app and agronomist support for farmers, while at the midstream level, we have our Collection, Processing, and Packaging Centres (CPPC). Finally, at downstream, we have our comprehensive marketplace.

What products and services does FarmByte offer?

FarmByte promotes sustainable farming practices by integrating eco-friendly methods, providing farmers with sustainable techniques, and using technology to optimise resource usage and reduce waste.

How does FarmByte contribute to sustainability?

Farmers who join the FarmByte ecosystem stand to gain access to advanced tools, resources, market opportunities, and support that enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability in their farming operations. We also make the offtaking process – from scheduling to collection of produce – seamless, efficient and transparent.

What are the benefits of joining FarmByte as a farmer?

The FarmByte App offers features such as real-time market price updates, farm logs management, request to sell, knowledge base access, transaction tracking, and pricing analytics.

What features does the FarmByte App offer?

The app provides real-time analytics on market prices, helping farmers decide what crops to plant for maximum profitability, and offers access to agricultural experts, infrastructure assistance, and financial opportunities.

How does the FarmByte App help with planning?

Yes, the app allows farmers to monitor farm operations, receive real-time notifications, and manage all farming phases, including planting, irrigation, fertilising, and harvesting.

Can the FarmByte App help manage farm activities?

The app simplifies the selling process by enabling farmers to request to sell their crops easily, ensuring timely and hassle-free sales with stable and transparent pricing.

How does the FarmByte App streamline the selling process?

Farmers receive payments in an average of 3.8 days, significantly faster than traditional methods, improving cash flow and financial stability.

How quickly do farmers receive payments through the FarmByte App?

The FarmByte Marketplace is a seamless platform designed to connect consumers with high-quality agricultural products from local farmers.

What is the FarmByte Marketplace?

The marketplace offers a wide range of products, including vegetables, fruits, seasonal produce, and packaged goods.

What types of products are available on the FarmByte Marketplace?

Transactions on the FarmByte Marketplace are safe and reliable, with secure payment options and transparent delivery processes.

How secure are transactions on the FarmByte Marketplace?

Not at all. The marketplace features a user-friendly portal with a simple registration process and an intuitive interface for effortless shopping.

Is it hard to navigate the FarmByte Marketplace?

Benefits include competitive pricing, a wide product range, and a convenient, seamless purchasing experience with easy navigation and reliable transactions.

What are the benefits of using the FarmByte Marketplace?

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Manual Tanaman Cili Konvensional

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Manual Tanaman Kacang Panjang Konvensional

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Manual Tanaman Terung Konvensional

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Manual Tanaman Timun Konvensional

**SERDANG**: Agrobank menjalin kerjasama strategik dengan FarmByte Sdn Bhd, sebuah syarikat agromakanan digital di bawah Johor Corporation (JCorp) melalui peruntukan RM12 juta sebagai tanda sokongan kepada Program Pembiayaan Pertanian Ladang Kontrak FarmByte yang merangkumi perbelanjaan operasi ladang.

Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) Agrobank, Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin, berkata kerjasama itu adalah sebagai usaha mentransformasi dan memperkukuh landskap pertanian Malaysia selain bertujuan memperkukuhkan sektor agro-makanan negara.

Katanya, kerjasama itu juga bertujuan memperkasakan petani kecil dengan menyediakan sokongan pembiayaan dan akses kepada pasaran sekali gus memacu ke arah pertanian yang lestari dan menguntungkan.

"Kami amat berbesar hati dapat bekerjasama dengan FarmByte dalam inisiatif baharu ini. Dengan menawarkan sokongan kewangan dan jaminan pasaran untuk 50 petani dengan bantuan kewangan maksimum sehingga RM239,940 bagi setiap peserta, kami bukan sahaja meningkatkan taraf hidup petani tetapi juga menyumbang kepada jaminan bekalan makanan Malaysia.

"Kerjasama ini adalah langkah penting ke arah membina sektor pertanian yang lebih berdaya tahan. Selain itu, Agrobank berharap untuk melihat lebih ramai usahawan terbabit dalam sektor pertanian dan kami percaya MAHA (Pameran Pertanian, Hortikultur dan Agropelancongan Malaysia) adalah salah satu platform untuk mendekati komuniti yang kurang mendapat perhatian," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis menandatangani perjanjian rakan niaga strategik Agrobank dengan Farmbyte sempena MAHA 2024 di sini, hari ini.

Perjanjian itu ditandatangani oleh Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah mewakili Agrobank, manakala FarmByte oleh CEO, Syed Aiman Kifli Syed Jaafar.

Sementara itu, Syed Aiman berkata, kerjasama dengan Agrobank selari dengan visi syarikat untuk merevolusikan pertanian dengan menyediakan sumber kewangan dan teknologi kepada petani.

"Matlamat kami adalah untuk memperkasa petani dalam menghasilkan tanaman berkualiti dan bernilai tinggi, seterusnya memastikan rantaian nilai agromakanan yang lebih mampan dan menguntungkan.

"Dengan sokongan Agrobank, kami bukan sahaja dapat menawarkan kepada petani bantuan kewangan tetapi juga alat dan pandangan yang mereka perlukan untuk berjaya dalam pasaran yang kompetitif," katanya

Perkongsian itu adalah perjanjian pengambilan atau 'offtake' yang terjamin, di mana FarmByte komited untuk membeli semua hasil tuaian daripada petani yang menyertai program ini pada kadar yang kompetitif.

Perjanjian terbabit menyediakan pasaran yang selamat dan stabil kepada petani, mengurangkan risiko kewangan yang berkaitan dengan pertanian dan memastikan rantaian bekalan yang konsisten.

Melalui FarmByte, petani akan mendapat akses kepada data masa nyata mengenai permintaan tanaman, trend bekalan, dan ramalan harga.

Gabungan pendekatan berasaskan data dan sokongan kewangan daripada Agrobank, ia dijangka akan meningkatkan hasil tuaian dan kestabilan pasaran untuk petani-petani kecil.

Sumber: https://www.bharian.com.my/bisnes/korporat/2024/09/1297019/agrobank-farmbyte-bekerjasama-tingkat-taraf-hidup-petani-kecil 

CEO FarmByte, Syed Aiman (tiga dari kanan) bersama Presiden dan CEO Agrobank, Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah (tiga dari kiri) memegang plak Program Pembiayaan Petani Kontrak pada majlis menandatangani perjanjian rakan niaga strategik di MAHA 2024, Serdang

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FarmByte, Agrobank bekerjasama tingkat taraf hidup petani kecil

**Serdang, 11 September 2024** – In a landmark move set to transform and strengthen Malaysia’s agricultural landscape, FarmByte Sdn Bhd (FarmByte) and Bank Pertanian Malaysia Berhad (Agrobank) have today announced a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering the nation’s agrofood sector. This collaboration is poised to empower smallholder farmers by providing crucial financial support and market access, paving the way for a more sustainable and profitable future in agriculture.

The partnership, officially unveiled at a ceremony in Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) as part of MAHA 2024, will see Agrobank allocate close to RM12 million in funding to support FarmByte’s contract farming programs. These programs will initially focus on key crops such as long brinjals, mini brinjals, bitter gourd palee, chilli akata, chilli kulai, and okra, with pilot projects set to launch in Johor before expanding nationwide.

Central to this collaboration is FarmByte’s commitment to leverage advanced technology to enhance farming practices. Through FarmByte, farmers will gain access to real-time data on crop demand, supply trends, and pricing forecasts. This data-driven approach, combined with Agrobank’s financial backing, is expected to significantly improve yield outcomes and market stability for smallholder farmers.

“We are thrilled to partner with FarmByte in this groundbreaking initiative,” said Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Agrobank. “By offering financial support and market guarantees, we are not only improving the livelihoods of farmers but also contributing to Malaysia’s food security. This collaboration represents a critical step towards building a more resilient agricultural sector.”

FarmByte, a digital-first agrofood company under Johor Corporation (JCorp), is at the forefront of driving innovation in Malaysia’s agrofood industry. According to Syed Aiman Kifli Syed Jaafar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FarmByte, the partnership with Agrobank aligns with the company’s vision to revolutionise farming by providing farmers with both financial and technological resources.

“Our goal is to empower farmers to produce higher quality, higher value crops, ensuring a more sustainable and profitable agrofood value chain,” he shared. “With Agrobank’s support, we can offer farmers not just financial assistance but also the tools and insights they need to thrive in a competitive market.”

A key feature of the partnership is a guaranteed offtake arrangement, where FarmByte commits to purchasing all harvested crops from participating farmers. This arrangement provides farmers with a secure and stable market, reducing the financial risks associated with farming and ensuring a consistent supply chain.

The strategic partnership agreement was signed by Syed Aiman and Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah, witnessed by Hafiz Bin Sulaini, Head of Corporate Banking Agrobank, Sirajul Yusran Bin Hassan Head of Micro Department Agrobank, Syed Hairul Anuar Bin Syed Fadzil, Chief Business Officer Agrobank, Ahmad Tifli Mohd Talha, Chief Financial Officer Kulim (Malaysia) Berhad, Gene Lim Shoun-Jo, Chief Operation Officer FarmByte. 


FarmByte CEO, Syed Aiman (third from right), along with Agrobank President and CEO, Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah (third from left), holding the Contract Farming Financing Program plaque at the signing ceremony for the strategic business partner agreement at MA

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FarmByte and Agrobank Forge Strategic Alliance to Strengthen Malaysia’s Food Security

KUALA LUMPUR 18 Julai - Syarikat agromakanan digital pertama Johor Corporation (JCorp), FarmByte Sdn Bhd, memanfaatkan rumusan awan termaju, pembelajaran mesin (ML) dan kecerdasan buatan (AI) daripada Amazon Web Services (AWS) bagi merevolusikan sektor agromakanan di Malaysia selain meningkatkan taraf hidup petani.

Menerusi penggunaan perkhidmatan Awan AWS, FarmByte menyasarkan untuk menambah lagi infrastruktur digitalnya dan pendekatan dipacu data kepada pertanian dengan menawarkan rumusan serta cerapan pemantauan tanaman yang komprehensif kepada petani, termasuk maklumat cuaca serta aplikasi kadar baja dan racun perosak.

Maklumat yang disediakan melalui aplikasi FarmByte, membolehkan petani merancang dan mengoptimumkan sumber bagi mendapatkan hasil yang lebih baik.

FarmByte memanfaatkan kemudahan infrastruktur Awan AWS sebagai sumber data dan aplikasi yang berskala manakala AWS Data Exchange adalah bagi perkongsian data selamat dengan rakan kongsi, dan Katalog Data Amazon S3 serta AWS Glue untuk penyimpanan serta pengurusan data yang selamat.

Dengan membina dan menggunakan data besar di AWS, FarmByte kini boleh menjalankan analisis komprehensif dan menjana cerapan bagi menyedeikan Analitik Harga Tanaman, Ramalan Permintaan dan penjadualan Rantaian Bekalan.

Menerusi perkhidmatan pengagregatan dan pengurusan data perintis AWS, FarmByte dapat mengasingkan data daripada pelbagai sumber dalam ekosistemnya dan secara luaran bagi memberikan pandangan utama kepada komuniti pertanian.

FarmByte juga memanfaatkan keupayaan ML Amazon Forecast bagi membantu petani menganggarkan masa utama rantaian bekalan dengan lebih baik, yang akan meningkatkan jadual penghantaran selain mengoptimumkan harga tanaman bagi pengurusan kos yang cekap.

Syarikat itu juga juga menggunakan membuat analisis bagi menilai tanaman seperti nanas menggunakan keupayaan AI/ML yang dijalankan di Amazon SageMaker.

FarmByte juga sedang meneroka pembangunan aplikasi yang menggunakan pembelajaran mesin bagi menyediakan rangkaian petani FarmByte dengan cerapan strategi harga optimum dan ramalan permintaan.

Dengan menganalisis arah aliran pasaran, penawaran dan permintaan, serta data penentuan harga sejarah, aplikasi itu membantu petani membuat keputusan mengenai tanaman yang hendak ditanam dan cara menetapkan harga hasil bagi memaksimumkan keuntungan serta mengurangkan risiko berkaitan.

Ketua Digital FarmByte, Mohd Fakhri Mohd Noor berkata, visi pihaknya untuk merevolusikan sektor agromakanan Malaysia dan meluaskan penggunaan internet kebendaan (IoT) dalam meningkatkan keselamatan makanan negara dan meperkasakan petani dengan pengetahuan, peralatan dan teknologi cerapan masa nyata bagi menghasilkan tanaman lebih berkualiti.

"Dengan menggunakan penyelesaian bertaraf dunia AWS, FarmByte boleh meningkatkan pembahagian data, keupayaan AI dan ML untuk memberikan analitik ramalan yang lebih maju dan pandangan yang diperibadikan melalui aplikasi, serta rumusan inovatif yang boleh mengubah amalan pertanian dan memastikan rantaian nilai agromakanan yang lebih mampan.

"Dengan ini, kami berbangga untuk menjadi antara yang pertama dalam industri di Malaysia yang menggunakan pendekatan digital pertama untuk menyediakan petani dengan aplikasi FarmByte yang komprehensif merangkumi permintaan tanaman, aliran bekalan, dan juga harga tanaman masa hadapan," katanya dalam satu kenyataan, hari ini.

Sementara itu, Jualan AWS Malaysia dan Brunei, Azhar Abdullah berkata, pertanian merupakan industri yang kaya dengan data serta pelbagai maklumat yang boleh memberi cerapan yang boleh membantu mengoptimumkan operasi bagi seluruh sistem makanan.

Beliau berkata, ia juga mempunyai sistem yang boleh bertindak balas dalam masa nyata bagi memenuhi permintaan dan keadaan yang berubah-ubah di keseluruhan rantaian bekalan pertanian.

"Memandangkan industri pertanian menyesuaikan diri dengan permintaan yang semakin meningkat untuk inovasi, ia memberi inspirasi untuk melihat bagaimana transformasi digital FarmByte memartabatkan sektor pertanian dengan menyampaikan rumusan data transformatif yang memperkasakan petani dalam membuat keputusan bagi mengoptimumkan keadaan tanaman serta meningkatkan hasil, sementara menjadikan operasi FarmBytes lebih cekap," katanya.

Selain menyediakan petani dengan pandangan pertanian dan penetapan harga yang komprehensif, aplikasi FarmByte mendigitalkan dan mempercepatkan proses pembayaran dan membolehkan mereka melalui keseluruhan proses secara digital.

Bagi melengkapkan aplikasi FarmByte ialah pasaran dalam talian FarmByte daripada pernigaan-ke-perniagaan (B2B) yang mempamerkan katalog produk petani dan membolehkan pembeli melihat dan membeli rangkaian produk yang tersedia.

Pasaran B2B itu akan dilancarkan sepenuhnya menjelang suku ketiga tahun ini.

Source : [https://www.dagangnews.com/article/farmbyte-manfaatkan-perkhidmatan-awan-aws-ubah-industri-agromakanan-di-malaysia-39064](https://www.dagangnews.com/article/farmbyte-manfaatkan-perkhidmatan-awan-aws-ubah-industri-agromakanan-di-malaysia-39064)

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