The Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism International Show 2016 (MAHA 2016), which will be held in Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, in December, is expecting millions of visitors from food-related businesses and government agencies from all over the world.
Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Agro-Based Industry Malaysia, the biennial event showcases top-quality Malaysian produce and agricultural technology through various exhibitions and seminars will run for 11 days at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang from Dec. 1 to 11.
Among the many highlights of MAHA 2016 is a concerted focus on agrotourism, agro trade and agro lifestyle, along with the latest innovations and technological advancements. Spearheading food exports is of paramount importance as agriculture is a high-income generator. Motivating young entrepreneurs to participate in agro-based industries as a career is also prioritized to take the industry to new heights.
Participants will not only network and learn the latest agricultural methods and innovations, but also take part in a movement that will propel Malaysia into leading the agricultural revolution that is taking place around the world.
Exhibitors are mainly food makers, food service providers such as consultants and agrotourism promoters and providers of innovative technologies related to agriculture. Visitors will typically be academics, researchers, business owners, investors, buyers, procurement officers, government officials, policymakers, trade officers, the general public and tourists.
Fiji, South Korea, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Algeria, Australia, Iran, Spain, Canada, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and Tunisia are among the countries participating in MAHA 2016, slated as the region’s largest exhibition showcasing agriculture and agro-based industries featuring the different components of this fast-growing industry.
Themed “Our Food, Our Future,” MAHA 2016 is also expected to provide a multitude of avenues for trade, investment, collaboration and technology transfer, as well as serve as the ideal platform to develop import and export markets, launch new and innovative products and services while forging international alliances and building strategic partnerships to boost market competitiveness.
This year, the expo will adopt a five-pronged approach that encompasses “Food Security & Sovereignty,” “Recreation,” “Knowledge Enrichment,” “Tourism” and “Wellness.”
In Food Security & Sovereignty, the expo exhibits efforts aimed as ensuring the availability of sufficient, safe and nutritious food for Malaysia and reducing the country’s dependency on imported food.
In Recreation, MAHA 2016 showcases numerous agriculture-based recreational and leisure ventures that provide farmers with a niche market.
Knowledge Enrichment is vital in modern agriculture, with challenges such as climate change, global competition and stricter market requirements calling for constant upgrades in technology to increase food production while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Agrotourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the tourism industry, which is the second-largest contributor to Malaysia’s gross domestic product. Agrotourism offers both domestic and international visitors a unique experience while uplifting the livelihood of the rural community.
In Wellness, the expo focuses on healthy eating, healthy living and preventing health problems by embracing good habits and an active lifestyle. The health and wellness trend also represents a new economic opportunity to help drive Malaysia toward global competitiveness.
MAHA 2014 had 3.5 million visitors and total sales of 152 million ringgits, or about ¥3.81 billion. MAHA 2016 expects at least 3 million visitors and 160 million ringgits.
Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism International Show 2016 website www.maha.gov.my; email agrotrade@famaco.com.my
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