Pix by Ahmad Mukhsein Mukhtar
KUBANG PASU: The government is exploring the use of electric padi tractors to boost the nation's padi yields.
Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP) chairman Datuk Mahfuz Omar said the initiative was still under research and testing, with implementation expected in two years.
"The transition to electric agricultural machinery that doesn't rely on diesel is inevitable as the world moves towards such technology," he said at a press conference after handing over padi farming machinery to farmers in Kampung Asun today.
He said electric tractors were introduced at the recent Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition 2024 in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Perlis and a Thai company.
He said a detailed study was ongoing to ensure the machinery was affordable for farmers.
"We are encouraging the use of electric farming machinery for the future. The transition from diesel to electric will take time."
He stressed the importance of adopting new technology as the country would expand the padi planting cycle to five times in two years.
"In that period, we will witness the introduction of new technology. When the time comes, we will assess which machinery is best.
"LPP is also upgrading and extending the lifespan of old machinery to reduce government spending on new purchases."