More drones, sensors, robots to be used to boost country's food security, says minister

PUTRAJAYA- Modern technology such as drones, sensors, robots, internet of Things (loT) and Precision Agricultural Technology (Precision Farming) will be used to boost the country's food security, said Agriculture and Food Industry Minister

Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee.

He said this is in line with the National Agro-Food Policy, 2021-2030 (AND 2.0), the adoption of the technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) through modernisation and smart agricultural practices.

"The use of modern technology, among others such as drones, sensors, robots, internet of Things (loT) and Precision Agricultural Technology (Precision Farming), became an important element in agricultural engineering to increase the productivity of the country’s food system," he said.

He was speaking to reporters at Agricultural Engineering 2022 Symposium with the theme of 'Agricultural Engineering Technology Revolution towards 4IR' at Palm Garden Hotel here today.

The purpose of the programme was to share agricultural engineering technology expertise and form strategic cooperation networks with relevant industry players.

Kiandee further said his ministry welcomed participation from technology provider companies to contribute expertise to help transform the country’s agro-food industry.

Agriculture director-general Datuk Zahimi Hassan said they have established strategic partnerships with the private sector through Participatory Observation (PO).

“As of now, there are 109 POs as a way to implement modern elements in the agriculture sector including smart irrigation with the IoT technology,” he said.

To boost food security, the ministry's head secretary Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid said they are focusing on four sub-sectors - paddy and rice, fruits, livestocks and fishery and aquaculture to enhance and sustain food security in the country.

“Our focus also revolves around ensuring the sustainability of the farmers by improving their income from RM1,400 to RM3,500 for farmers in granary areas and RM4,500 for farmers outside of the granary areas.

“We are also focusing on the ability to produce high-quality products,” she said during the programme.