Food Security

		UPM launched the UPM Food Security Blueprint 2024 as the primary reference and guiding document underpinning the University's efforts to realise the national food security agenda. Building on its distinguished history and strong reputation, particularly in the field of agriculture, UPM—formerly known as Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (University of Agriculture Malaysia)—is committed to ensuring the successful achievement of the nation's food security goals. Through the implementation of the UPM Food Security Blueprint 2024, the University aims to provide a comprehensive strategic framework that guides the UPM community in contributing effectively to sustainable food security and national agricultural development.
		Summary of the Food Security Blueprint Blueprint Keterjaminan Makanan

 

Advanced Digital Support Services and Infrastructure for UPM Food Security

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is committed to becoming a leading global player in food security research and innovation by prioritising planetary health, empowering talent, and mobilising human capital in food security, while ultimately positioning itself as a global leader in the halal ecosystem.

 

Launched in June 2024, the UPM Food Security Blueprint outlines three (3) key strategic thrusts:
	1	Core Thrust: Focuses on Academic Excellence, Research and Innovation Impact, and Community and Industry Engagement;
	2	Enabling Thrust: Encompasses Governance Excellence, Financial Sustainability, Talent Readiness, Advanced Infrastructure, Global Collaboration and Networking, and Strategic Communication;
	3	Outcome Thrust: Covers Graduate Excellence and Agri-Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation Adoption, and the Empowerment of Farming Communities.

  

Preliminary Digitalisation Analysis for UPM Food Security

UPM has developed a preliminary Digital Action Plan for Food Security, adopting a synergistic approach based on three key principles to support the achievement of national food security objectives:

1. Provision of Research Tools Leveraging Emerging Technologies
   
   • Emerging technologies are essential for strengthening research capabilities and supporting large-scale outcomes. UPM aims to develop collaborative platforms that enable research teams and agricultural stakeholders to share data, resources, and knowledge, thereby fostering cross-disciplinary research and innovation. The provision and utilisation of advanced digital tools will also facilitate high-quality data collection, efficient data processing, and comprehensive analytics to support evidence-based decision-making.
2. Digital Platforms to Enable Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Community Engagement
   
   • Interactive digital platforms will connect farmers, researchers, and industry players to promote smart collaboration across the agricultural ecosystem. These platforms will facilitate the identification of subject matter experts and support networks, encouraging knowledge sharing, capacity building, and community-driven initiatives to strengthen food security.
3. Policies and Guidelines for the Adoption of Emerging Technologies in Agriculture
   
   • To ensure that digital transformation effectively supports sustainable food security innovation, appropriate policies and governance frameworks must be established. Digital solutions should be continuously adopted, evaluated, and enhanced through close collaboration with stakeholders to ensure their long-term relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability.  

 

Putra AI Agri Accelerator (Putra AgriX)

 

• Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) plays a pivotal role as an enabler and catalyst for artificial intelligence (AI) transformation in the agricultural sector, with a strong emphasis on data management as the foundation for developing high-quality AI models and applications.
• Through a comprehensive range of AI services and solutions encompassing governance, infrastructure, and information support, UPM strengthens the AI research and development ecosystem.
• The University is also committed to driving innovation through the testing, validation, and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring their effective application across agriculture and related industries, while contributing to national technological advancement and economic growth.

 

PUTRA AgriX

1. Putra AI Agri Accelerator (Putra AgriX) is an AI Service Acceleration Platform for Food Security that provides an integrated ecosystem of data storage, accessibility, computing resources, and AI model monitoring. The platform serves as a strategic support infrastructure for decision-making, research, innovation, teaching and learning, and professional AI services, with the aim of advancing the national food security agenda.
2. Objectives:
   1. Develop a centralised platform that serves as a hub for data storage and integration, AI computing resource management, AI model deployment, and AI service monitoring.
   2. Enhance the agriculture and food security sectors by delivering managed and governed AI solutions at the service level (AI-as-a-Service).
   3. Position UPM as the leading reference centre for stakeholders seeking AI-related services to support decision-making, research, innovation, teaching and learning, and professional services in the field of food security.
   4. Provide the infrastructure and infostructure required to accelerate the development of food security solutions through the application of artificial intelligence, mobile applications, automation, and other precision agriculture technologies developed by UPM for food security stakeholders.

 

Core AI Technologies and Applications at UPM:

 

1. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for Crop Disease Detection:

• UPM employs Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), particularly the MobileNetV2 and FD-MobileNet models, to detect diseases affecting paddy crops. These models are optimised for ARM Cortex-M microprocessors, enabling real-time, on-site disease detection with accuracy rates of up to 97.5%.

 

2. Deep Learning for Autonomous Harvesting:

• In collaboration with the palm oil industry, UPM has developed an autonomous Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) collection machine. The system utilises Intel RealSense 3D cameras together with the YOLOv4 deep learning model to detect and collect FFB autonomously, significantly improving harvesting efficiency.

 

3. Machine Learning for Yield Prediction:

• UPM applies machine learning algorithms such as Random Forest, Support Vector Machines (SVM), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to predict paddy yields. These models analyse environmental variables, including temperature and rainfall, to generate accurate yield forecasts that support informed decision-making by farmers.

 

4. Internet of Things (IoT) Integration:

• IoT technologies are integrated with AI to enhance agricultural efficiency. IoT sensors are deployed to monitor and control various cultivation processes while collecting critical field data that enables AI-driven optimisation of farming practices.

 

5. Smart Agriculture Technologies:

• UPM promotes the adoption of smart agriculture technologies, including drones and AI-powered systems, to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. These technologies support precision agriculture by optimising resource utilisation and enhancing crop management practices.

 

6. Digital Twin Technology for Agriculture

• Digital Twin technology creates virtual replicas of crops, enabling continuous monitoring and data-driven intervention recommendations for farmers. The technology also allows digital simulations of crop management strategies, reducing the risks associated with field experimentation while supporting more informed agricultural decision-making.

 

7. Food Security Blueprint Chatbot

• The Food Security Blueprint Chatbot simplifies complex information and enhances stakeholder engagement by enabling users to easily navigate and implement initiatives under the Food Security Blueprint. It supports the exploration of key strategies, including sustainable agricultural practices, predictive analytics, and supply chain optimisation, while providing personalised recommendations tailored to users' specific needs.

 

Ask Questions About Food Security with the Putra AI Chatbot!

 

Welcome to the Food Security Quiz, a comprehensive and interactive assessment designed to enhance your understanding of food security concepts, challenges, and solutions as outlined in the UPM Food Security Action Plan.

The quiz explores key themes related to Malaysia's efforts in building a resilient, sustainable, and accessible food system. It also aligns with global priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing participants with valuable insights into the strategic initiatives, technologies, and collaborative approaches that contribute to strengthening national food security.

Challenge yourself, test your knowledge, and discover how innovation and digital transformation are shaping the future of food security.

 

Updated:: 02/07/2026 [zuraya]