_Written by Mohd Fakhri Mohd Noor. This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on August 26, 2024 - September 1, 2024_

The agrofood sector plays an important role in Malaysia, contributing to over 11% of gross domestic product. This is significant, and among the many players in the sector, we have the heart and driving force of the sector — the farmers — to thank.

Our farmers play a crucial role in feeding our population. However, they face numerous challenges in doing so — and these trials are in addition to their current operating environment which has extreme weather events, rising geopolitical tensions and complex global supply chains all at play.


From our ongoing conversations with the farmers in our FarmByte ecosystem, we know that a key issue that farmers face is their vulnerability to market fluctuations. This, coupled with their weak market connections and a lack of transport options for their produce, means that farmers are often unable to access more lucrative markets. The consequence of this is their produce is sold at lower prices.

At the same time, many farmers still lack insights into the types of crops to plant and key information on current cutting-edge farming techniques that can help them increase their yield and thus earn better incomes.

How data-driven platforms can help farmers
In the face of these challenges, we believe that the need for data-driven technology or having a data-driven platform is more apparent than ever. This is why we at FarmByte, conceptualised and launched our FarmByte app, which leverages a data-driven approach.

A data-driven platform allows farmers to make informed decisions based on real-time data and predictive analytics. This data can range from soil health and weather patterns to current market trends.

By leveraging such information, farmers can get the insights and guidance needed to optimise their crop selection, planting schedules and resource allocation. For example, precise weather forecast data can enable farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation, planting schedules and crop management.

Additionally, having data on market trends, supply and demand fluctuations and historical pricing would allow farmers to grow crops that are more likely to fetch higher prices, thus increasing their profitability.

Another key pain point of the farmers whom we engage with is that they are often underpaid by intermediaries or the middlemen. However, with data-driven platforms, farmers can facilitate direct connections with buyers, bypassing the middlemen and, hence, reducing transaction costs.

By participating in digital marketplaces, farmers can also reach a broader audience and negotiate better terms for their products. This direct market access not only increases their revenue but also fosters stronger relationships with buyers, promoting long-term business sustainability.

With sustainability being a growing concern in agrofood, data-driven platforms play a crucial role in promoting environment-friendly practices. By providing insights into efficient resource use, these platforms can help farmers reduce their ecological footprint.

For example, data on water usage and soil moisture levels can guide precision irrigation practices, conserving water resources. Similarly, data on crop health can inform integrated pest management strategies, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

Moving up the value chain
It has become increasingly clear that farmers have a lot to gain from data-driven platforms.

These platforms serve as a catalyst for transforming traditional agrofood into a more efficient, sustainable and profitable sector.

By providing actionable insights, optimising resource use and facilitating market access, as well as improving financial inclusion, these platforms enable farmers to move up the value chain. As our agrofood sector continues to evolve, getting farmers to leverage and embrace data-driven platforms will be essential for farmers seeking to thrive in a competitive global market.



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Data Driven: Empowering and uplifting agrofood farmers

### A digital-first perspective on Malaysia’s agriculture transformation under RMK-13

Malaysia’s 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) sets out a bold vision to secure the nation’s food supply, uplift rural incomes, and modernise agriculture for a resilient economy. But the plan also underscores an urgent truth: traditional farming practices alone cannot withstand the pressures of climate volatility, labour shortages, and rising food demand.

FarmByte is a **digital aggregator for Malaysia’s agri supply chain**, capturing and monetising transaction datasets to solve upstream–downstream pain points. If Malaysia wants a food system that can feed future generations, it must be intelligent, connected, and inclusive; built on data, powered by technology, and accessible to farmers nationwide.

**A changing landscape, and a new kind of farmer**

A government report revealed that only 22.2% of individual agricultural operators are aged between 15 and 45 (2024 Agriculture Census Interim Report, DOSM). This reflects a larger concern: farming is increasingly seen as an unattractive career for younger generations.

In this environment, success is no longer just about access to land; it is about access to information, tools, and systems that appeal to the next generation of farmers. These farmers are not just looking for buyers, they are seeking:
- Tools that make better decisions,
- Data that cuts down losses,
- And systems that deliver fair value from seed to shelf.

RMK-13 recognises this shift. It calls for smart farming, end-to-end digital supply chains, and AI adoption; not as a distant ambition, but as a survival requirement.

For FarmByte, this validates our focus on building farmer-friendly digital platforms where clean datasets drive better market access, faster transactions, and sustainable income.

**When intelligence meets the soil**

Farming today begins with a data point.

Through satellite imagery, real-time field data, and predictive models, farmers can:
- Anticipate pest and disease risks,
- Optimise harvest timing for peak demand,
- And make pricing decisions backed by regional trends.

AI-driven analytics act as silent co-pilots, helping optimise every decision from irrigation to delivery scheduling. This is where we differ from traditional intermediaries; we don’t just move crops; we capture and analyse the data that makes every movement smarter.

**Farms that don’t rely on land or weather**

RMK-13 prioritises high-value agriculture, and controlled-environment farming is one of the most powerful tools to achieve it. Indoor vertical farms can produce pesticide-free leafy greens using machine-learned crop recipes, without soil and with minimal water.

Through our collaboration with industry leaders, we are developing climate-resilient, high-output systems capable of supplying urban markets year-round. This means:
- Year-round consistency
- Zero exposure to pests
- And production near urban centres

By capturing environmental and yield data from these systems, we can continuously optimise “crop recipes” and replicate success across new regions, building scalability into high-value agriculture.

**Inclusion is infrastructure**

Digital transformation only matters if it is accessible to all. Our mobile-first platform ensures even first-time users can access financing, track earnings, and connect directly to buyers.

This inclusivity is not an afterthought. It is embedded in our model. Every digital transaction captured is not just a sale; it is a datapoint that strengthens our ESG impact, enabling us to measure and improve income stability, reduce post-harvest losses, and widen market participation.

**What we’re building is bigger than tech**

The vision outlined in RMK-13 aligns closely with the strategic direction we have already been pursuing. From building AI-driven platforms and strengthening supply chains to investing in high-value crops and smart farming infrastructure, we are actively delivering on this national roadmap.

We invite policymakers, partners, and farmers to explore how Malaysia’s leading digital aggregator for the agri supply chain can deliver measurable results for national food security. Contact us at hello@farmbyte.com to learn more about our data-driven initiatives and partnerships.

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Data Driven: Empowering and uplifting agrofood farmers

RMK-13: What the Future of Food Really Looks Like