{
  "id": 17420205,
  "title": "Plantation industry needs a tech boost: Noraini Ahmad",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/plantation-industry-needs-a-tech-boost-noraini-ahmad",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T14:41:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/10/1567810/plantation-industry-needs-tech-boost-noraini-ahmad"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's plantation industry must implement more technology and boost productivity to cope with higher costs, labour shortages, and increased global competition, according to Dr Noraini Ahmad, the Plantations and Commodities Minister. The ageing estates and changing market demands are placing greater pressure on operators, making traditional methods less effective.\n\nDr Noraini emphasized that many of the country's old farmlands are becoming outdated and need replanting to maintain high yields and keep estates productive. She called for a joint effort between the government and industry to tackle structural challenges, particularly replanting, which requires significant financing, time, and careful planning.\n\nSustainability is gaining importance as international buyers demand greater transparency about production processes. The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification is crucial for improving industry standards and meeting international market expectations. Dr Noraini stressed that sustainability should not be seen merely as an added cost but can enhance competitiveness and build trust with buyers when effectively managed.\n\nIn terms of technology, Dr Noraini highlighted that mechanisation, digital tools, and artificial intelligence could help plantation operators boost yields, reduce waste, manage costs, and address labour shortages. However, she warned against adopting technology for the sake of modernisation, insisting that solutions must provide practical benefits in real estate operations.\n\nShe urged estate owners to work with the ministry, research agencies, and technology providers to test practical solutions that improve operational efficiency. Dr Noraini also stressed the need to address finance challenges, as investments in replanting, sustainability, and new technologies remain difficult without sufficient financial support. Lastly, she encouraged efforts to improve working conditions and attract younger generations to the plantation industry, aiming to boost productivity, efficiency, and overall industry attractiveness.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's plantation industry must accelerate productivity and technology adoption to address rising operating costs, labour shortages and intensifying global competition.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}