Modern farming among topics discussed at Nafec
Modern farming and computer network in the agriculture sector are among the topics discussed at the National Agricultural and Food Engineering Convention (Nafec) 2021.
Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said the convention, held virtually this year, would see seven main papers, 30 technical and 31 research posters presented by professionals in the field.
“Automation has been proven to be the best approach to ensure consistent food production.
“The year 2021 is the first year for the 12th Malaysia Plan whereby the ministry is emphasising the new agro-food business sector and high-value agriculture that can create economic opportunities for the people.”
Kiandee was speaking at the launch of the two-day convention themed “Embracing the Future through Advanced Agrofood Engineering” at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) yesterday.
He said the application of modern technology like fertigation, fresh produce manufacturing, drones, smart agriculture system, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data and Internet of Things (IoT) were imperative in making the agriculture sector more progressive
and competitive.
He said the National Agrofood Policy 2.0, which will be launched soon, focused on competitiveness and innovation; wellbeing of farmers and fishermen; as well as ensuring sustainable production of padi, fruits, vegetables, livestock and fisheries.
Citing the harvest of the latest padi variants Seri Waja and Kembangsari, he said driverless machines were used in the process guided by GPS (Global Positioning System).
“In the latest development, grape farming in Mardi Agrotechnology park greenhouses in Langkawi is made possible with 5G technology through a collaboration with Maxis.
“We are now moving towards huge-scale padi farming which allows the use of farm inputs and minimal labour.”
He said the government hoped to attract more youths to venture into agriculture through the application of technology.
Financial assistance of up to RM500,000 was available through Agro-Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme, or AgroYes, under Agrobank, he added.
During the event, the Agrofood Engineering Book by Mardi and Advanced Agriculture and Food Research Journal by Malaysian Society of Agriculture and Food Engineers were also launched.