KENINGAU: Keningau has been chosen as the first district to implement the Centralised Farm Management System (CMFS), aimed at increasing rice production to five metric tonnes per hectare, Sabah Media reported.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the initiative will be a collaborative effort between the Sabah Farmers' Organisation Authority, Agriculture Chemicals Sdn Bhd, and the Keningau Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK).
This pilot programme is set to introduce farmers to precision farming practices while integrating technology, agronomic management, and the appropriate use of inputs.
It targets the Magatang area, where current rice yields are approximately 2.5 metric tonnes per hectare, to significantly improve these figures.
"Through this collaboration, farmers will be equipped with appropriate agricultural practices alongside exposure to technology, agronomic management, and the proper use of inputs.
"The CMFS innovation is in line with the ministry's aspiration to cultivate the concept of the National Innovation for Food Security (Pintar).
"We also hope that more innovations will be created to ensure increased productivity and sustainability of the country's agro-food sector in line with current needs," he said.
The minister voiced expectation that the technology's application will raise the average rice production in the Magatang area to four or five metric tonnes per hectare, a substantial increase from the current yield.
The initiative was officially launched at a community event in Kampung Magatang, where Arthur distributed the 2024 Special Cash Aid to active rice farmers.
For the second phase of the cash aid, PPK received RM630,000 to be distributed among 1,050 recipients, granting RM600 per farmer.
Arthur also encouraged farmers and cultivators who are not yet registered with PPK to do so to benefit from various support programmes, including courses, fertiliser aid, and subsidies.
Currently, 2,701 farmers are registered with PPK Keningau, with approximately 200 others yet to register.