Sabah farmers embrace modern methods through SMART SBB

The Star

7 days ago

KOTA KINABALU: Jafli Latu owns a piece of land inherited from his parents decades ago.
To the 63-year-old, this 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 everything, 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 build something lasting," he said with a smile, brushing soil from his hands.
This year's Kaamatan celebration, 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 now symbolises more than just the end of a planting season.
In Kota Belud, it marks the triumph of a new agricultural approach transforming lives.
Jafli recalls his late father's wisdom, who said rice was more than food; it nourished 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 worsened things.
But change began when Jafli was introduced to the Large-Scale Smart Paddy Field (SMART SBB) programme, blending modern technology with traditional knowledge.
He was sceptical at first, as were some 40 others who joined the programme, but when yields increased from 2.6 to more than four metric tonnes per hectare in one season, they recognised its potential.
The SMART SBB initiative, a collaboration 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 an immediate impact.
Yields rose by more than 60% in the first season alone, 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 paddy land, including Timbang Dayang, Taun Gusi Keranjangan, Sangkir, and Kesapang.
Under the programme, farmers now use drones to survey fields, plant TR8 seeds directly into water, and operate modern paddy transplanters, making 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 farming methods.
"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 others, the combination of training, logistical support, and structured market access under this public-private partnership sets a new benchmark for Malaysia's paddy sector.
Noraini James echoed her sentiments, saying that 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.
She 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 paddy; 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 modernised traditional practices, ensuring farmers have access to quality inputs, fair pricing, and guaranteed purchase agreements.
Consistent technical support and reliable procurement channels have lifted the burden of selling harvests at poor prices or uncertain markets.
As a strategic implementation partner, BERNAS plays a key role in supporting Malaysia's food security through its involvement in field operations and market facilitation.
"Before this, our harvests often went unsold because we could not get them to market quickly. Now, with dedicated buyers and structured channels, we have the confidence to keep planting," said Jafli, smiling.