Modern padi farming the way to go

The Star

6 days ago

KOTA KINABALU: Jafli Latu owns a piece of land that he inherited from his parents deca­des ago.
To the 63-year-old, the land is more than just a farm; it is a legacy, a symbol of resilience, a connection to his roots and a source of pride that carries the hopes of his family and community.
Jafli has experienced it all – from using buffaloes to plough the soil to embracing technology- driven farming.
'Today, we plant with purpose. Not just to survive, but to grow and to build something lasting,' he said with a smile, brushing soil from his hands.
This year's Kaamatan celebration, the harvest festival cherished by the Kadazandusun community, holds special meaning for Jafli and his fellow farmers.
Traditionally, a time to honour the earth and give thanks, Kaa­ma­tan has come to symbolise more than just the end of a planting season.
In Kota Belud, it now marks the triumph of a new agricultural approach that is transforming lives.
Jafli recalls his late father's wisdom, who used to say that rice is more than food; it nourishes the soul.
'For many years, farming felt like a gamble. We barely harvested two tonnes per hectare, sometimes even less. It was all back- breaking work, done entirely by hand,' he recalled, adding that the high cost of fertilisers, unpredictable weather and uncertain yields made things worse.
However, all that began to change when Jafli was introduced to the Large-Scale Smart Padi Field (SMART SBB) programme, a bold initiative that blends ­modern agricultural technology with tradi­tional knowledge.
He was sceptical at first, just like the other 40 people who joined the programme, but when they saw yields increasing from 2.6 to more than four metric tonnes per hectare in just one season, they recognised the programme's potential.
The SMART SBB initiative, a collaborative effort between the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas), aims to streng­then Malaysia's food security through strategic, field-level partnerships.
Launched in June 2022 in Kampung Jawi-Jawi, Kota Belud, the programme delivered immediate impact.
Not only did the yields rise by more than 60% in the first season alone, but there was greater interest from fellow farmers, and in 2024, the number of participants doubled to over 80 across nine areas.
In addition to Jawi-Jawi, partici­pating areas now cover over 160ha of padi fields, including Tim­bang Dayang, Taun Gusi Keran­jangan, Sangkir and Kesa­pang.
Under the programme, farmers are now using drones to survey their fields, planting TR8 seeds directly into water, and operating modern padi transplanters, all of which have made the process faster, more efficient and less physically demanding.
For Terpilih Sunus from Kam­pung Kesapang, the most significant change was not only the improved yield, but the shift in how they farm.
'When we saw our yields rise by over 60% in the first season, I knew we could not return to the old ways. Now, with guidance from technical officers, we follow a more precise method.
'We use drones, plant the TR8 seeds more efficiently and operate machinery that saves us days of work,' she said.
To Terpilih and many other participants, the combination of training, logistical support and struc­tured market access under this public-private partnership has set a new benchmark for the future of Malaysia's padi sector.
Her sentiments were echoed by Noraini James, who recalled how tasks that once took weeks are now completed in just a few days.
'There is no more back-breaking seed carrying. Now, I refer to drone-generated soil data. Our yields have tripled,' she said with a laugh.
Noraini explained that the programme had not only boosted production but also changed her outlook on agriculture.
'I used to work in the city, but I came back to help my parents. After seeing our yield triple, I now see a future in this field. We are no longer just planting padi, we are managing harvests like a business,' she said.
For farmers in Kota Belud, this year's Kaamatan carries a deeper meaning. It is no longer just a cultural celebration but a reflection of resilience, renewal and progress.
'Kaamatan is about honouring the earth and its blessings. This year, I feel truly worthy of recei­ving the Kaamatan rice because our work has been more systema­tic and productive,' said Noraini.
The SMART SBB programme has not only modernised traditional practices but also ensured that farmers have access to quality inputs, fair pricing and guaranteed purchase agreements.
Consistent technical support and reliable procurement channels have lifted the burden of having to sell harvest at poor pri­ces or uncertain markets.
As a strategic implementation partner, Bernas plays a key role in supporting Malaysia's food securi­ty through its direct involvement in field operations and market facilitation.
'Before this, our harvests often went unsold because we could not get them to the market ­quickly.
'Now, with dedicated buyers and structured channels, we have the confidence to keep planting,' said Jafli with a smile.