Smart agriculture takes centre stage

KUCHING: The Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) held a Satellite Digital Programme yesterday (June 14) in conjunction with the fifth International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2022 (IDECS). Theme ‘Smart Agriculture’ it was held at the SMA Heritage and Creative Innovation Center (CHIC). In a statement, the organisers said the programme will feature experienced speakers in their fields of smart agriculture, including Noresa Donald Matu, Project Manager for Positive Mind Sdn Bhd. “Also, Deputy Director of Industry Academy, Centre of Technical Excellence (Swk) Sdn Bhd, Dr Nadianatra Musa and Program Coordinator/Instructor of Palm and Agricultural Academy, Centre of Technical Excellence (Swk) Sdn Bhd, Aina Nadia Najwa,” it added. Noresa who is also a Senior Project Manager in the implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) Smart Farming at the Department of Agriculture Sarawak stations works together with SMA, Department of Agriculture (DoA) and Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development (MANRED). “She has successfully installed and implemented IoT technology at Taman Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan (TKPM) Rampangi, Agricultural Research Center (ARC) Semongok, Institute of Agriculture (IPS) Semongok, Agriculture Training Center (ATC) Oya, ARC Kabuloh, and ATC Kubong. “Meanwhile, Dr Nadianatra and Aina are among those who are actively involved in providing guidance, facilitating, and coordinating the Smart Urban Farming project for the community in Kuching’s mosques, suraus, and other worship centers,” it added. SMA has worked closely with the implementing agencies on these pilot projects since the beginning of 2018, in line with the State government’s vision to strengthen the use of technology in all fields, including agriculture. “Few modern farmers in TKPM Rampangi have managed to increase their per capita income through the adoption of the IoT Smart Farming System, proving that this implementation was a fruitful and successful project. “As a result, the success stories of smart farming projects should be shared with the community so that people can generate side incomes while also exchanging ideas and knowledge with their peers for their improvement,” it explained. The programme was also one of the state government’s initiatives to provide a skilled workforce in agriculture, as well as to support its digital economy agenda, which aims to make the state a high-income state by 2030. More than 30 students and three lecturers participated in the programme.