KUCHING: The Internet of Things (IoT) technology into paddy farming practices is set to be integrated starting next year at the Agriculture Institute Sarawak (IPS).
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that the effort is to mark a significant step towards modernising agriculture in the state.
He added that IoT applications, including the use of drones and mechanized equipment for tasks such as transplanting, plowing, and fertilising, would revolutionise traditional farming methods.
“Young people are more likely to embrace farming if modern technologies are introduced.
“Not everyone wants to work under the sun anymore, and IoT is the way forward to attract the younger generation and increase efficiency.”
Dr Rundi said this during a press conference after the 19th IPS Convocation Ceremony here, today (Nov 27).
He highlighted that IoT is already being used in other agricultural sectors, such as fertigation and precision farming and will be extended to paddy farming next year.
“I want to see more individuals engaging in entrepreneurship, particularly in agriculture. They already have the knowledge, and the key lies in applying that knowledge and new technologies with genuine passion and determination.
“I believe that if we aim to drive agricultural transformation in Sarawak, we need young talents who have been trained at IPS and other tertiary education levels.
“These individuals are more adaptable, skilled, and familiar with new technologies like IoT, precision farming, and modern practices. I see great potential in improving the livelihoods of rural farming communities.”
He also mentioned that modern farming is critical to achieving the state government vision of making Sarawak a net food exporter by 2030.
“I envision that by 2030, Sarawak should become a net food exporter, meaning we’ll have enough for local consumption and surplus for export.
“Regarding rice cultivation, the Sarawak government has allocated RM1 billion in the budget to develop irrigation and drainage infrastructure to ensure sustainable rice production.”
On IPS, he said the institute has played a key role in training a total of 2027 graduates since 1985, with 80 per cent securing employment and 5 per cent becoming agropreneurs.
During the convocation ceremony, a total of 96 graduates successfully completed the Agricultural Certificate Programme, including 24 specialising in Food Crop Production Technology, 29 in Estate Management, 25 in Livestock Management, 10 in Landscaping, and 8 in Agricultural Product Processing Technology.
