Drone Technology Revolutionizes Farming in Malaysia
Efficient and Time-Saving Approach
Drone technology, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), is fast gaining popularity among modern farmers in Malaysia, offering an efficient and time-saving approach with which farms are managed. Indeed, drones are being used to spray fertilizers and pesticides on crops, speeding up processes and reducing reliance on manual labor.
A Farmer’s Perspective
For farmer Mohd Yazid Yusrah, 41, UAVs have become an essential tool throughout various stages of cultivation in his 40ha padi field in Kampung Sungai Manik. From pesticide application to fertilization, drones have simplified the process and reduced costs. "I started experimenting with drones around 2022, which means I’ve been using them for four seasons now. Initially, it was quite challenging to operate, so I limited their use to spraying pesticides," Yazid told Bernama.
Benefits of Drone Technology
The benefits, Yazid said, are clear: reduced costs and faster operations. "Manually, it would take over an hour just to spray pesticides on a 0.4ha plot, but with drones, it only takes 10 to 15 minutes. For manual spraying, you’d need four workers at RM30 per person, spraying six to eight times monthly, including fertilizing."
Employing Human Labor
Despite the efficiency of the technology, Yazid remains committed to employing human labor, ensuring job continuity for his workers. "I was determined to adopt the technology, answering the government’s call to embrace innovation."
Call for Government Support
In addition, he hopes the government will raise the padi floor price from RM1,450 to RM1,800 per tonne to balance rising production costs. "If a price increase isn’t possible, I urge the government to standardize the floor price nationwide to ensure fairness. In some regions, prices vary – for example, Perak Tengah has different rates from Sungai Manik. Standardizing prices would help us cope with rising costs for tasks like harvesting and ploughing," he said.
Preventing Exploitation
Price standardization could further prevent potential exploitation by millers, "who initially offer RM1,800 but, during peak harvest, drop their offer to RM1,450", Yazid pointed out. "Yet, our investigations reveal that the same millers still pay RM1,800 to farmers in other areas," he added, explaining that this lack of standardization leads to losses for farmers who are already facing high production costs.
Conclusion
Drone technology has revolutionized farming in Malaysia, offering an efficient and time-saving approach for farmers to manage their crops. While the technology has its benefits, it is essential for the government to support farmers by raising the padi floor price and standardizing prices nationwide to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation.
FAQs
Q: How did you learn to use drones?
A: I learned to use them without formal training, relying instead on friends to teach me.
Q: What are the benefits of using drones in farming?
A: The benefits are clear: reduced costs and faster operations.
Q: Will you continue to employ human labor?
A: Yes, I remain committed to employing human labor, ensuring job continuity for my workers.
Q: What is the current padi floor price?
A: The current padi floor price is RM1,450 per tonne.
Q: Do you think the government should raise the padi floor price?
A: Yes, I hope the government will raise the padi floor price to balance rising production costs.