MORE technologies related to agriculture would be utilised and implemented with the aim of increasing yield, efficiency, and profitability, says state executive councillor Dr Norlela Ariffin.
Dr Norlela, who is in charge of the Agrotech and Food Security (formerly known as Agriculture and Agro-based Industries), Rural Development and Health, said smart farming is important to Penang as the state has limited agricultural land.
“So, it is vital for us to use agrotechnology to boost the agriculture sector in the state.
“As an example, we want to encourage more entrepreneurs to set up a smart farm like the country’s first vanilla smart farm located at the Permatang Pauh Agro Park in Jalan Ara Kuda, Bukit Mertajam.
“The smart farm adopts technologies such as Internet of Things, Big Data, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and drones.
“With this, we can further increase the yield, strengthen our food security and at the same time use less space of the land.
“It is a smart way to spice up farming,” she told Buletin Mutiara during a brief interview session in Komtar.
Dr Norlela was among some of the 11 state executive councillors who have their portfolios reshuffled or rebranded by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow on Sept 9.
Apart from that, Dr Norlela announced that her office is in the process of getting a special allocation to set up a deep well water pump for the purpose of irrigating padi fields.
“The main objective is to improve the irrigation system and the use of water for the padi fields, especially during the dry season.
“With this, we can ensure a continuous supply of padi production and maintain our food security,” she added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting