True Measure of Agri-tech Is Farmers' Well-being, Not System Sophistication - Mohamad

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Technology in the agricultural sector can only be considered successful if its adoption increases crop yields and boosts farmers' income, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

He said this was among the approaches 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.

"AI is important, technology is important. But ultimately, the true measure of success is not how sophisticated our systems are, but whether farmers' yields increase, their income rises and the people's food supply remains sufficient. Only then is technology truly useful," he said in a Facebook post tonight.

Mohamad said at the meeting, he also shared Malaysia's commitment to empowering the national agricultural sector, including expanding technology adoption through the Large-Scale Smart Padi Field (SMART SBB) programme, which currently involves 18,650 padi farmers across 92 locations covering over 46,500 hectares.

"The use of mechanisation, more structured management and technology has enabled certain areas to achieve yields of around six to seven metric tonnes per hectare," he said.

Mohamad said this development demonstrated that the use of appropriate technology and good management could increase farmers' yield.

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 metres in diameter.

"If we want to formulate policies for farmers and breeders, we must occasionally ground ourselves and experience their work firsthand, so we know which technology truly helps," he said.

-- BERNAMA