BERNAS expands SMART SBB to 12 locations nationwide

KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 (Bernama) -- Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) has expanded the Large-Scale SMART Paddy Field (SMART SBB) programme to 12 paddy cultivation locations nationwide compared to four locations at the beginning of last year, with the involvement of nearly 465 farmers.

 Bernas Plantation Management Department head Norhisham Abdul Rahman, in a statement, said that among the locations involved were in Sungai Batu Pahat and Titi Tinggi, Perlis; Bukit Besar, Kedah; Sungai Manik, Perak; Tok Kamis and Jelor, Pasir Putih, Kelantan; Gong Dasar, Terengganu; Gancong Hulu, Rompin, Pahang; Batang Lupar, Sarawak; and Kampung Kalumbai, Kota Belud, Sabah.

“So far, Bernas has forged good cooperation with almost 465 registered farmers. This programme would not have been possible without the high level of commitment from them.

"This continuous collective effort is important in exposing local farmers in terms of development and practice of paddy crop management technology that is in line with current developments, thus achieving the objective of transforming the country's paddy and rice sector," he said.

SMART SBB, which implements sustainable agricultural practices, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI), leading companies such as Bernas and the Kedah Zakat Board (LZNK).

Also collaborating as mentoring partners are major agricultural agencies such as the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA); Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA); Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA); State Department of Agriculture (JPN); Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and Area Farmers Organisation (PPK).

Norhisham said that Bernas, as a pioneer of sustainable agricultural practices in the paddy cultivation sector, also collaborated with government agencies and local institutions of higher learning to obtain advice and expertise in related fields.

He added that various initiatives are also being implemented in stages such as ecological engineering practices in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), use of modern machinery capable of preserving soil sustainability, drone technology, more systematic farm work schedule and various other agricultural practices.

"Bernas believes this is an accurate plan towards the development of the local paddy sector, thus creating awareness of the importance of environmental conservation, creating ecological balance in the fields, protecting the health of farmers and improving the technical knowledge of farmers, including disease control in the fields," he said.

-- BERNAMA