Agromedia Bil. 75 2024 Special Edition RAC 2 - Agrobiodiversity Utilisation by Penulis MARDI

In Malaysia, agrobiodiversity serves as a cornerstone of our agricultural heritage and a vital resource for ensuring food security, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. With its rich diversity of crops, flora and fauna, Malaysia boasts a treasure trove of genetic resources that holds immense potential for addressing crucial challenges such as climate change, food insecurity and rampant environmental degradation. However, despite this abundance, the full potential of agrobiodiversity remains largely untapped or unexplored. Many traditional crops and plant species with valuable genetic traits are underutilised or overlooked, while modern agricultural practices often prioritise monoculture and high-yield varieties over diversity and resilience.