SERDANG: Modern farming and computer networking in the agriculture sector are among the focus of topics discussed at the National Agricultural and Food Engineering Convention (Nafec) 2021.
Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said the convention, held virtually this year, would see seven main papers, 30 technical and 31 research posters to be 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 new agro-food business sector and high-valued agriculture that can create economic opportunities for the people."
Kiandee said this when launching the two-day convention themed "Embracing the Future through Advanced Agrofood Engineering" at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) today.
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 to be more progressive and competitive.
He said the National Agrofood Policy 2.0 which would 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 harvest of the latest padi variants, Seri Waja and Kembangsari, he said driverless-machines were used to in 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 usage of farm inputs and minimal labour."
Kiandee said the government also hoped to attract and more youths to venture into agriculture through the application of technology.
He said financial assistance of up to RM500,000 was available through Agro-Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme, or Agro-Yes, under Agrobank.
During the event, the Agrofood Engineering Book by Mardi and Advanced Agriculture and Food Research Journal by the Malaysian Society of Agriculture and Food Engineers were also launched.