Food production potentials in Malaysia

Abstract

In general, two broad categories of food policies can be identified. One is self-sufficiency food policy (at any cost?), and the other is food production with economic efficiency. There are two aspects of economic efficiencies. At the micro level, or the farm level, economic efficiency generally refers to optimal use of resources in the production process to get the highest possible output. Economic efficiency at the macro level, on the other hand, suggests production of food which you have the comparative advantage. A self-sufficiency food policy is important for it gives the nation security. In contrast, as suggested by Lappe and Collins, "reliance on a limited number of crops generates economic as well as political vulnerability". It would be most desirable if food self-sufficiency objective can be achieved simultaneously with economic efficiency. But this may not be possible always.