Article Summary
Innovations in heat-resilient crops are increasingly important in strengthening Malaysia’s food security amid growing climate change challenges. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daljit Singh Karam Singh from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) said the development of crops capable of withstanding high temperatures and water scarcity is essential to maintaining stable food production and agricultural resilience. He noted that innovation extends beyond genetic research to include improved soil, crop and water management practices, with crops such as rice and sorghum being enhanced for greater resilience. The use of biochar, efficient irrigation systems and stronger collaboration between universities, industry and government agencies were also highlighted as key measures to support sustainable agriculture and long-term national food security.

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By Zarith Sofea Ibrahim

 

Heat-resilient crop innovations are increasingly recognised as a critical strategy for strengthening national food security as Malaysia faces increasingly evident climate change challenges.

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daljit Singh Karam Singh, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said that the development of crop varieties capable of withstanding high temperatures and extreme weather has become a priority to ensure stable food production.

 

He added that heat-tolerant crops refer to varieties that can continue to grow, develop and produce good yields despite challenging environmental conditions.

 

“Extreme heat can disrupt key processes such as germination, photosynthesis, flowering and yield formation, ultimately reducing crop productivity.

 

“Therefore, the development of varieties that are resistant to heat and water scarcity is crucial to ensure the resilience of the agricultural sector,” he said.

 

He added that innovation in heat-resilient crops not only involves the development of new varieties through genetic research, but also includes more efficient soil, crop and water management practices.

 

“Crops such as rice and sorghum are among those being enhanced for greater resistance to high temperatures and diseases to ensure consistent yields. In tropical climates such as Malaysia, water management plays a vital role, especially for crops such as oil palm that require sufficient water supply,” he said.

 

He noted that the use of drainage systems, canals and water reservoirs is also important in ensuring crops remain healthy despite unpredictable weather conditions.

 

Commenting on the benefits to farmers, Dr. Daljit Singh noted that the use of heat-resilient varieties can reduce the risk of losses while helping to maintain crop yields.

 

“The introduction of new varieties requires comprehensive research and rigorous evaluation, including safety assessments, to prevent the introduction of plant diseases from external sources,” he said.

 

“However, the main challenge lies in acceptance among smallholder farmers, who may be concerned about production costs and potential returns,” he added.

 

He also noted that the use of materials such as biochar is viewed as a practical alternative to enhance crop resilience to heat.

 

“Biochar is not a fertiliser, but a carbon-rich material that helps improve nutrient absorption and retain soil moisture. When used together with fertilisers, it enhances the efficiency of nutrient uptake by plant roots,” he said.

 

Dr. Daljit Singh emphasised that heat-resilient crop technology has strong potential to become a key component in the country’s long-term strategy to safeguard food supply, particularly amid global uncertainties such as geopolitical conflicts, supply chain disruptions and rising agricultural input costs.

 

“Collaboration between universities, government agencies and industry must be strengthened to expand the adoption of these innovations and ensure the agricultural sector remains sustainable and competitive,” he said.

Date of Input: 23/04/2026 | Updated: 11/05/2026 | hairul_nizam