IN the serene state of Kedah, a sprawling stretch of padi fields unfurls across the landscape, serving as the nation's bastion of rice production.
Known as Malaysia's "Rice Bowl," Kedah is responsible for approximately half of Malaysia's total rice output, a testament to its pivotal role in feeding the nation. With over 200,000 hectares dedicated to padi cultivation through the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada), the state not only upholds food security but also embodies a living tradition of agricultural prowess.
THE AGRONOMIC LIFELINE OF MALAYSIA
The padi fields of Kedah are meticulously managed and cultivated, producing an impressive average yield of around five tonnes per hectare, contributing significantly to the nation's annual yield of rice. The farmers of Kedah, the guardians of these fields, rise with the dawn. Their daily rhythm is dictated by the seasonal cycles of planting and harvesting, reflecting an agricultural calendar that has dictated the pace of life here for centuries.
GUARDIANS OF THE GRAIN
These local farmers are the inheritors of a farming legacy that is steeped in generational wisdom yet open to innovation. They have witnessed the evolution of farming from traditional methods to the incorporation of modern technologies such as automated seed sowers and precision agriculture that have revolutionised rice farming in Malaysia.
BALANCING TRADITION WITH TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT
In Kedah, traditional farming techniques are not relics of the past but are used in tandem with modern methods to optimise yield. This blend of old and new has led to a sustainable model of farming, one that respects the ecological balance and maintains the health of the soil. The state government, recognising the significance of Kedah's contribution, has implemented numerous initiatives such as the Paddy Planting Management Model (3PM) and the Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) to further support and enhance the productivity of paddy cultivation.