Latest news with #Adlin
Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Smart SBBprogramme boostsrice productionin Sabah
With the Smart SBB project, Kampung Jawi-Jawi farmers achieved 4.56 mt/ha this year by FAREZZA HANUM RASHID FARMERS in Kota Belud are now enjoying higher rice yields after participating in the Smart Large-Scale Paddy Field (SBB) Programme modelled after Sekinchan, implemented by Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas). One of the participating farmers is 51-year-old Adlin Mohamad, a third-generation paddy farmer who continues the legacy of his late father in Kampung Jawi-Jawi, near here. Having developed an interest in agriculture since the age of 18, Adlin's farming methods have evolved significantly — from using buffaloes to plough the fields to now embracing more modern systems. Among the technologies he employs are mechanised ploughing equipment and drones for monitoring his fields. The first SBB Programme was done in Sekinchan, Selangor (Source: MEDIA MULIA) Today, he plays a more strategic role by overseeing operations and managing a team of farmers, blending traditional experience with modern agricultural practices. Most of his work now focuses on monitoring, planning and management, rather than purely physical labour. His daily routine begins with surveying the farmland, followed by scheduling irrigation for the rice crops. Adlin shared that paddy farmers today face several major challenges. Among them are the rising costs of ploughing and a significant increase in pesticide prices, which he said have risen by 50% to 70%. 'Alhamdulillah, we have recently received government support in the form of increased rice subsidies and minimum floor price. But we are asking the government to also help control the rising costs of pesticides and ploughing. 'The floor price also needs to be regulated to prevent contractors from arbitrarily raising costs,' he said. Govt has recently increased rice subsidies and minimum floor price (Source: MEDIA MULIA) Adlin also expressed gratitude to Bernas for selecting Kampung Jawi-Jawi as the site of Sabah's first Smart SBB project in 2023. He said farmers in the area, which spans roughly 41 hectares, have successfully improved their economic situation compared to the past. He added that guidance provided by Bernas helped farmers transition from traditional methods to modern farming practices. There are 19 participants in the Smart SBB programme in Kampung Jawi-Jawi. 'Using traditional methods, we used to only harvest about two to three metric tonnes per hectare (mt/ha). With the Smart SBB project, we achieved 4.11 mt/ha in the first season. 'Even more impressively, this year we reached 4.56 mt/ha,' he explained. Adlin with TR8 rice seed variety provided through the Smart SBB programme Adlin also expressed appreciation that all programme participants were supplied with TR8 rice seeds, which are well-suited to the local conditions and resistant to pests. 'However, if possible, we would like agriculture agencies to supply new rice seed varieties. 'We have been using TR8 for quite a while now, and there may be newer varieties that could further improve yields in our area,' he added. As a contributor to national food security through the production of staple crops, Adlin also shared his hopes for the future of the industry. He urged the government to continue supporting farmers through initiatives such as the Smart SBB programme. 'We hope this programme can be continued and expanded further in Sabah, with increased allocations for Bernas and all related agencies. 'And since we are also facing some infrastructure issues, we hope the government will increase infrastructure development funding,' he said.
Borneo Post
04-08-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Smart SBB revolutionises padi farming in Kota Belud
Adlin showing the new padi variety.-Bernama photo KOTA KINABALU (Aug 4): The Smart Large-Scale Padi Field (Smart SBB) programme has revolutionised padi farming in Kota Belud with the introduction of advanced technologies such as drone usage and modern ploughing machinery. Launched in 2023, this high-impact initiative has not only modernised the padi farming sector but has also nurtured a new generation of padi farmers who are more productive, efficient, professional, and competitive in increasing their yields. Kampung Jawi-Jawi Village is among the pioneering locations for the Smart SBB programme in Kota Belud, Sabah's main rice granary, located about 73 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu. Nineteen padi farmers are involved in cultivating 49 hectares of padi under this initiative. Sharing his experience with Bernama, Adlin Mohammad, the Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) farm manager in Jawi-Jawi, said the programme has significantly transformed the lives of padi farmers, who no longer rely on manual labour as they once did. Adlin, 51, a third-generation padi farmer who has been in the industry for 18 years, shared that the use of modern technology has not only saved time and energy but also enhanced fieldwork efficiency. 'We used to plough with buffaloes, but now we use a variety of modern machinery, adapted to the area's terrain and soil conditions,' he said when met by Bernama at the BERNAS booth during the three-day National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day 2025 celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre, which concluded yesterday. Although there was initial scepticism, Adlin said the programme has since received a positive response from farmers, who now embrace the blend of traditional knowledge and modern technology. 'The rice-seeding process using drones is not only faster but also more uniform compared to traditional methods. Farmers no longer need to be in the fields daily. They can now monitor operations remotely,' explained Adlin, who plays a key role in overseeing the Smart SBB operations in his village. In addition to more systematic irrigation management, the programme also emphasises disease and pest control, with farmers guided to conduct regular monitoring to minimise the risk of crop infection. This proactive approach, he said, has improved discipline in crop management, addressing longstanding challenges such as pest infestations and unpredictable weather patterns like drought. He said padi yields have also shown consistent improvement throughout the programme's four seasons, with production rising from 4.11 metric tonnes per hectare in the first season to 4.59 metric tonnes per hectare in the fourth season this year. 'Every increase in paddy production means that our income also increases. We hope to be able to continue this momentum,' he said, hoping that the relevant agencies could provide diesel subsidies and logistical assistance, particularly for harvesting operations outside BERNAS-supervised areas. He proposed the introduction of new padi seed varieties, noting that while TR8 seeds have been in use for nearly a decade due to their suitability for local soil and climate conditions, newer varieties could offer even better yields. Adlin emphasised the importance of continued government support for BERNAS by approving proposals that could expand the Smart SBB initiative and strengthen infrastructure to boost paddy production. The Smart SBB programme is a strategic initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security aimed at increasing padi output, improving farmers' income, and ensuring national food security through the use of modern technology and integrated management. Apart from BERNAS, the programme in Kota Belud is implemented in collaboration with technical agencies such as the Kota Belud Integrated Agricultural Development Area, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, and the Kota Belud Area Farmers' Organisation. Following its success in Kampung Jawi-Jawi, the programme was expanded in the second season of 2023 to cover 174.97 hectares with the participation of 121 farmers. – Bernama
The Star
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Collektr connects collectors
Adlin: We focused on collectables because South-East Asia is a region that is rarely prioritised for these items. TWENTY Pokémon trading cards appear on the screen in steady succession, each one introduced in turn to a virtual audience. From behind the camera, the host cracks jokes and playfully responds to live commenters while eager collectors race to outbid each other with growing intensity.
