ABOUT ATAS
ATAS is a national organization for agricultural researchers, scientists, academicians, entrepreneurs, practitioners, farmers, members of agricultural NGOs and other persons interested in tropical agriculture. ATAS is formed with the following objectives which are to position Malaysia as the Hub of Tropical Agricultural Research, Food Production, Agri techno-innovation & entrepreneurship development; ensure success and sustainability of the ecosystem for Tropical Agriculture; promote food production to eliminate hard-core poverty in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals and increase food production for export to boost the country’s economy.
ATAS will work hand-in-hand, with strategic partners, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) and assist in formulating the National Agricultural Policy, Vision, Mission and Objectives.
Members of ATAS are made up of agricultural researchers, scientists, academics, entrepreneurs, practitioners, farmers, members of agricultural NGOs and relevant parties that are involved directly or indirectly with tropical agriculture in all aspects.
Projects addressing 4 key areas are already in the pipeline. They are:
- ATAS Rural Development Programme
- ATAS Marine Aquaculture
- ATAS Plantation Sector
- ATAS Urban Farming Community
1. ATAS Rural Development Programme
With this program, ATAS will tap into experienced farmers as coaches and trainers to pass on their practical experience and skills through hands-on practice sessions to a wide audience comprising, young school leavers, home makers, hobbyists, and budding farmers. This knowledge is invaluable in the context of a rapidly evolving global economy. This programme will focus on the creation of self-sustaining vegetable gardens, specialized herbal gardens, flower and tree nurseries, horticulture, ecotourism, soil remediation, agricultural wastes recycling, sales and marketing of fresh produce, and integrated pest management.
2. ATAS Marine Aquaculture
A platform using science and innovative approaches will be set up for blue transformation in line with sustainable development goals. Blue Food or marine products will be cultivated in a sustainable way that simultaneously improves both oceanic and human health using science-based methodologies.
3. ATAS Plantation Sector
Through a network of experts in tropical agriculture sciences, a science-based technological approach will be used in the plantation systems of agriculture production for tropical crops such as cocoa, coconuts, durians and bananas to improve their quality and production in meeting the demands of the global market.
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4. ATAS Urban Farming Community
To promote innovation among the urban farming communities, students and individuals, ATAS will be organizing a competition to award the leading innovator a grant to develop the winning technology. Practical solutions will also be provided to farming communities that lack knowledge and skills under this programme.