MARDI focused on future of farming technology

By Nor Azlina Sani

SERDANG, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) is optimistic about its expansion into modern farming technology through the growth of plant factories this year, its director-general, Datuk Dr Mohamad Roff Mohamad Noor, told Bernama recently.

He said MARDI is committed to developing the technology to make it easier for young farmers so that they won’t have to rely on conventional farming methods.

"By 2050, many farmers will be aged. This technology can help young farmers produce quality crops that do not require much land and is monitored automatically," he said at MARDI headquarters.

MARDI built a plant factory in Serdang in 2016 at a cost of RM600,000 which is now producing high yield and quality crops.

It has encouraged MARDI to extend the technology to the younger generation in hopes that they will be keen to become agropreneurs.

According to Mohamad Roff, the plant factory is an environmentally-controlled structure where every vital element for plant growth -- like light, temperature, carbon dioxide and moisture – is guided.

The system allows for the intensive production of vegetables which are safe, nutritious, highly marketable and can be harvested every month.

Explaining further, Mohamad Roff said the chain of production was studied from seedling germination to the LED lighting, post-harvest and waste management systems.

He said with a hydroponic plant factory that is just 30m x 60m x 20m, and which has 18 planting shelves stacked seven storeys high, production capacity is increased five to ten times more per unit of space.

The MARDI factory plant is able to accommodate up to 15,000 plants at one time with a production capacity of two tonnes of leafy vegetables or herbs per month.

Since the plants are growing in an enclosed environment with no access to natural light, LEDs are used to maximise photosynthesis and plant growth.

LEDs are better because they reduce heat generation and energy consumption, while improving nutrient and antioxidant production in leaves, and producing more vibrant-looking plants.

Mohamad Roff said the use of red and blue lights for eight hours are primarily for better plant growth, biomass and quality.

The plant factory also uses sensors to measure environmental parameters and control irrigation.

Sensors are connected via a network guided by "mobile hotspots", thus information on the environment and irrigation situation can be obtained in the blink of an eye through apps on your smartphone or online, which are easily accessible.

In fact, the LEDs and air-conditioning in the plant factory can be controlled through this way too, making it easier to keep an eye on things.

"So if there is a problem, the farmer will know through his gadget, and this is what can attract young people to agriculture because everything is automated and at your fingertips. In addition, year-round production is unaffected by changes in weather, pests or disease," Mohamad Roff said.

-- BERNAMA