TAWAU: Farmers have been urged to use innovative technology to increase the production and quality of their produce.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh said the government had set new targets so that the agricultural sector moved in tandem with other sectors via the adoption of technology and smart agriculture.
He cited an example of drones utilised for watering plants, which would help farmers save cost, time and energy.
"The ministry will try to channel help to the participants here because, in terms of technology usage, they lagged behind their counterparts from other places," Nik Muhammad said during a working visit to Tawau's Permanent Food Production Park (TKPM).
He said the ministry would expose the farmers to innovative technology, especially in Sabah, so it could become a catalyst for farmers to expand their cultivation areas.
He added that technology would help the ministry ensure enough food supply and achieve the targeted self-sufficient level within the time frame.
At the event, he presented the MyGap Certificate to 42 TKPM participants.