PUTRAJAYA must help farmers implement modern farming methods to increase efficiency and ensure food security, associations representing the group said.

Relying only on small farmers to implement innovative agricultural practices on their own is unrealistic, they said.

Federation of Malaysia Fruit Farmers Association president Lawrence Ting said modern farming methods require the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve crop production.

Ting said it was difficult for farmers to incorporate AI as most farms are located in rural areas. Small farmers generally do not have the capital or data analysis capacity to do so.

He said the government started collecting data from farmers to monitor yield from orchards and used this to help farmers produce better, like in foreign countries.

The lack of such data means that most farmers still rely on scientific methods to determine harvest.

Modern farming methods will also enable farmers to produce more yield with automation, cutting out the need for intensive labour.

“We need the government to set up databases, including internet connection, monitoring harvest, weather patterns, plant and soil quality to improve production,” Ting said.

Doing so will enable the government to not just monitor output, but also export volumes.

In terms of acceptance, as long as the government is open to implementing these measures, farmers will cooperate as it is beneficial to them in the long run, he said.

“After the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and global inflation, the government should be aware of the food crisis we are facing.

“They should start studying sustainable food production, increase land for farming, use AI and automate the industry.”

High expenditure, low returns

Lim Ser Kwee, president of the Federation of Vegetable Farmers Association, said not all crops are suitable for modern farming methods.

Vegetables that are cheap, when invested heavily on, will still give low returns.

“Pak choy, sawi and cucumber cost between RM2 and RM3. What is the point of using AI here?” Lim asked.

It is more suitable for organic farming and greenhouse cultivation, he said.

Lim said a Dutch company had invested millions in Cameron Highlands to implement these methods, and each item is being sold for more than RM10, which is the only way they can make a profit.

While modern agricultural practices can help monitor weather, soil, fertilisers and cut down the need for labour, the human factor is still needed when it comes to harvesting, he said.

“When it comes to harvesting vegetables such as cabbage and cucumbers, machines cannot replace humans. You still need a person to check whether they are ripe.”

However, if such practices can increase input and output, Lim said farmers are willing to cooperate.

“AI capacity, software, networks all require investment. If the government builds them, we will cooperate.”

Of utmost importance in modern farming is internet connectivity, which allows farmers to improve efficiency. Sensors on the ground can help monitor quality of plant, soil and weather patterns.

With the use of drones and satellites, farmers are also able to monitor the health of their crops and watch out for pests.

Durian orchard shows the way

Top Fruits managing director Tan Sue Sian said the company has transformed its agricultural methods to come up with the best practices.

“Firstly, our durian production increased and we are less dependent on manpower. Secondly, we can save on fertilisers and water the trees accurately,” Tan said.

“Our cost is down by 40% and our yield has gone up by 50%. While we invested a lot of money to implement these measures, the returns are worth it.

“We can also better determine how many trees can be planted per acre of land and how much yield we can expect.”

While Malaysia’s durian production cannot be compared to Thailand’s, this can ensure yield for the future, Tan said.

Tan said future farmers no longer need to use old farming methods.

“This is the best way to reduce cost and increase yield.”

Top Fruits has, over the past three years, recorded all the data to better grow its crop, something that is lacking in other durian orchards.

The company is also willing to help other companies looking to make the transition.

Currently, 160ha of Top Fruits plantations are outfitted with sensors that transmit data to handheld devices. The company hopes to outfit all of its plantations with the device by 2024.

It spent RM4 million to use technology in its farms, and increased production by 50% and reduced manpower by 30%.

It is now able to produce 800 tonnes of durian a year, of which 80% are exported to China.

The company is also planning to set up research centres in local universities. – August 10, 2022.