KUALA LUMPUR: Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) has kicked off large-scale smart padi field (Smart SBB) ala Sekinchan programme in Langkawi, Kedah for glutinous rice cultivation.
The Projek Padi Pulut Langkawi Bernas ala Sekinchan, launched by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu today, aims to elevate the socio-economic status of farmers.
This is by enabling them to achieve higher income returns and bolster domestic rice production by promoting best practices in the production of glutinous rice, Bernas said.
Encompassing 540 hectares of paddy fields, the project aims to empower 326 paddy farmers.
It is set to be developed in phases over five years from 2024 to 2028, with the first phase commencing this month covering over 14 hectares.
Introduced by the government in 2021, the Smart SBB initiative aims to increase the country's self-sufficiency rate for rice, Bernas said.
"The adoption of integrated farm management systems, mechanisation, and IoT integration, underscored by the introduction of its practices, will help local farmers in Langkawi optimise both the quality and quantity of their yield, leading to higher returns.
"This aligns with Bernas' dedication to uplifting the livelihoods of the nation's farming community," it added.
It is Implemented with the support of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, the Farmers Organisation Authority Malaysia, the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute and the Langkawi Development Authority.
The project facilitates farmers' participation in the programme by also providing initial financial support for paddy seed capital.
"Bernas will continue to support and remain dedicated to upholding the nation's food security agenda.
We will continue to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and other industry stakeholders, to enhance the welfare of farmers while ensuring the availability of a stable and sufficient rice supply for all Malaysians," it said.