MARDI urges drone operators to get RCOC-AL certification for farming
MARDI chairman Dr Azman Ismail stated that the module, approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), also provides recognition for drone operators, enhancing industry trust in local expertise.
'Drones used correctly with the right formula and optimal application will increase yields, but improper use without considering other factors can have negative effects,' he said during the Drone Tour Programme's Northern Zone Stage launch.
Azman expressed concerns over safety risks such as sudden drone failures, emphasising that trained operators following the module's guidelines can ensure better agricultural outcomes.
He highlighted drone technology's benefits, including efficient crop management, real-time monitoring, and precise fertiliser and pesticide application.
Azman urged more agencies to invest in drone technology to align Malaysia's agriculture sector with Industrial Revolution 4.0 and digital advancements.
'This is now a necessity, not an option, and it will modernise the sector for greater efficiency and competitiveness,' he added.
MARDI director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani also attended the event. – Bernama
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MARDI urges drone operators to get RCOC-AL certification for farming
ALOR SETAR: The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) has advised all agricultural drone operators to obtain the new Remote Certificate of Competency-Agriculture Light (RCOC-AL) to ensure correct technology usage and optimal yield improvements. MARDI chairman Dr Azman Ismail stated that the module, approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), also provides recognition for drone operators, enhancing industry trust in local expertise. 'Drones used correctly with the right formula and optimal application will increase yields, but improper use without considering other factors can have negative effects,' he said during the Drone Tour Programme's Northern Zone Stage launch. Azman expressed concerns over safety risks such as sudden drone failures, emphasising that trained operators following the module's guidelines can ensure better agricultural outcomes. He highlighted drone technology's benefits, including efficient crop management, real-time monitoring, and precise fertiliser and pesticide application. Azman urged more agencies to invest in drone technology to align Malaysia's agriculture sector with Industrial Revolution 4.0 and digital advancements. 'This is now a necessity, not an option, and it will modernise the sector for greater efficiency and competitiveness,' he added. MARDI director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani also attended the event. – Bernama
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Mardi urges proper training, certification for agriculture drone operators
ALOR STAR: The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) has urged more agriculture drone operators to undergo proper training and obtain certification from the relevant authorities. Mardi chairman Dr Azman Ismail said the agricultural sector needs more drone operators, but their growth must be accompanied by sound farming practices to ensure consistent yields. He said misconceptions persist about the effectiveness of drones in agriculture, emphasising that the issue lies not with the technology itself but with how it is applied. "If drones are used optimally and correctly, they can boost yields. But if operated without considering key factors, such as fertiliser or pesticide mix ratios, the results can be negative," he said during a press conference after opening Mardi's Agriculture Drone Tour Programme today. Also present was Mardi director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani. Azman added that demand for agricultural drone services has surged in several areas, creating packed operating schedules. "Drone operating schedules in some locations are very tight. If there are more operators, this problem could be alleviated. "In rural areas of Kedah, sometimes there is only one or two operators available, which forces scheduling adjustments and delays in farming activities. That is why I believe more operators are needed, and in the future, this will be unavoidable," he added. Zabawi also cautioned operators against rushing or competing aggressively to cover as much farmland as possible, warning that poorly executed operations could affect yields. "Many farmers are already using drone services, perhaps more than 50 per cent. There are also many small operators, but it is not clear if they are certified. Hopefully, they will obtain proper certification. "The issue is when operators compete for land and try to cover too much too quickly. If the work is done in haste, it will affect crop yields. This is why guidelines are necessary," he said. He added that today's programme was part of Mardi's effort to ensure drone operators are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and trained to uphold safety and good farming practices.
