Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has stressed that technology in the agricultural sector can only be considered successful if its adoption increases crop yields and boosts farmers' income. This approach was discussed at the 11th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Security Ministerial Meeting in Hangzhou, China, which also focused on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in agriculture. According to Mohamad, the true measure of success is not how sophisticated the systems are, but whether farmers' yields increase, their income rises, and the people's food supply remains sufficient.
He emphasized that only then is technology truly useful. At the meeting, Mohamad shared Malaysia's commitment to empowering the national agricultural sector, including expanding technology adoption through the Large-Scale Smart Padi Field (SMART SBB) programme. The SMART SBB programme currently involves 18,650 padi farmers across 92 locations, covering over 46,500 hectares.
Mohamad noted that the use of mechanization, more structured management, and technology has enabled certain areas to achieve yields of around six to seven metric tonnes per hectare. He also shared his personal experience in adopting agricultural technology through tilapia farming using the biofloc system, which could produce around 450 kilogrammes of fish per tank measuring six meters in diameter. Mohamad highlighted the importance of policymakers experiencing the work of farmers firsthand to understand which technology truly helps.
He stated that if policymakers want to formulate policies for farmers and breeders, they must occasionally ground themselves and experience their work to know which technology is effective. In terms of key numbers, the SMART SBB programme has already shown promising results, with some areas achieving yields of around six to seven metric tonnes per hectare. Additionally, Mohamad's personal experience with tilapia farming using the biofloc system has produced around 450 kilogrammes of fish per tank.
The context of this development is significant, as Malaysia continues to prioritize the empowerment of its national agricultural sector. The use of technology and innovation is seen as crucial in increasing crop yields and improving farmers' livelihoods. As Mohamad emphasized, the ultimate goal is to ensure that technology adoption leads to tangible benefits for farmers and the broader community.
Looking ahead, it is likely that Malaysia will continue to invest in initiatives like the SMART SBB programme, which aims to expand technology adoption and improve agricultural productivity. With the minister's emphasis on the importance of technology in boosting farmers' income, it is expected that further efforts will be made to promote the use of innovative solutions in the agricultural sector. As the country moves forward, it will be essential to monitor the progress of initiatives like the SMART SBB programme and assess their impact on farmers' livelihoods and the broader agricultural sector.
By doing so, Malaysia can ensure that its efforts to promote technology adoption in agriculture are yielding the desired results and contributing to the well-being of its farmers and communities.
