KUALA LUMPUR, 4 November 2021 – eAGRO today introduced the first online platform for agricultural inputs (agri-inputs) in Malaysia. As a strategic partner of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI), eAGRO was created to assist smallholders by increasing the effective delivery of agri-inputs, while promoting price transparency between smallholders, merchants, and agri-input producers.
The eAGRO launch event was officiated by YB Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) at Universiti Putra Malaysia.
“We at eAGRO aim to leverage technology to bring together all players within the agricultural input space, connecting smallholders nationwide with merchants and producers of various agri-input offerings. We want to increase accessibility of quality agri-inputs to smallholders in order to boost their production yield, which in turn would be beneficial to the nation,” saidY.A.M. Tengku Syarif Laksamana Perlis Dato’ Seri DiRaja Syed Razlan Ibni Syed Putra Jamalullail, Executive Chairman, eAGRO.
“We must keep in mind that it is the smallholders that are growing crops that would end up on our tables, but who don’t necessarily have the accessibility to quality products and equipment to increase the productivity of their crops. We want to connect these smallholders - who are essentially the backbone of the agriculture industry in Malaysia – with merchants and retailers through the platform so that quality products and equipment can be made available to them. This would inevitably increase the economic conditions of smallholders as well,” added Y.A.M. Dato’ Seri DiRaja Syed Razlan.
Among the agri-inputs that can be found on the eAGRO platform include seed packs, seedlings, fertilisers, antibiotics, livestock vaccines, animal feeds, fish feed, and agricultural equipment. While the platform enables smallholders to place their orders by browsing through a selection of agri-input products on the eAGRO platform, they would also have the option of either having the products delivered to their doorstep or picking up the products at the nearest local store after placing their orders online.
According to YB Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, a platform like eAGRO is in line with key strategies in expanding technological adaptation in food systems as a pragmatic measure to increase the efficiency and productivity of systems based on economies of scale and sustainable agriculture.
“The ministry is also actively expanding and strengthening the marketing of agricultural products, especially through e-commerce platforms that have been identified and are appropriate to enhance the marketability and availability of agricultural products for the domestic market as well as the international market,” said YB Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.
YB Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said he is proud to be part of the launching ceremony of the first online platform for agri-inputs in the country that not only reflects the sign of our times but also how technological advancement is so important for the agriculture industry to move forward. This also contributes as one of the many solutions we need to improve food security in the country.
YB Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee applauded the efforts by eAGRO in assisting smallholders and not leaving any party within the value chain behind.
“As we strive towards strengthening the country’s food security and raising Malaysia’s ranking in the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), all parties including the private sectors, non-government organisations (NGOs) and the people as a whole must come together to make this a reality. eAGRO embraces the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia - one that promotes inclusivity and collaboration - for the benefit of smallholders. I look forward to the positive impact eAGRO would have within the agricultural input space,” added YB Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.
Apart from offering a wide selection of agri-input products, eAGRO also strives to facilitate the sharing of reliable information with smallholders, such as providing fertiliser analysis services through the platform. This enables smallholders to receive accurate information on the nutrient content of specific fertilisers.
eAGRO members have a few payment options to choose from. Smallholders who sign up as members of the eAGRO platform would be able to enjoy 2% cashback for outright purchases, while also having the option of interest free installment payments for purchases above a certain threshold. CIMB Bank card holders are eligible for a 6-month interest free installment payment with a minimum purchase of RM600, and a 12-month interest free installment payment for a minimum purchase of RM1,200. eAGRO aims to collaborate with more financial institutions in the future for the benefit of smallholders.
“Through eAGRO, we want to include all players within the agricultural input space and create a community that is strong and reliable so that together, we can increase the productivity and efficiency of the agricultural space,” said Y.A.M. Dato’ Seri DiRaja Syed Razlan.
“But a vision like this cannot be carried out alone. It is only through the spirit of collaboration, can we make this vision a reality. And so we look forward to working closely with industry partners so that we can grow eAGRO into a trusted platform for smallholders,” added Y.A.M. Dato’ Seri DiRaja Syed Razlan
For more information, visit www.eagro.com.my.
