Latest news with #Bernas
The Star
01-06-2025
- Science
- The Star
Modern padi farming the way to go
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.
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Science
- Malay Mail
‘Silent guardians' of the fields: What to know about Asian barn owls that are helping Malaysian farms fight rat infestations for less
GEORGE TOWN, May 21 — The Asian barn owls, natives of Malaysia, are known as 'silent guardians' — whose voracious appetite for rats protects valuable crops on local farms. Since 2014, the Barn Owl and Rodent Research Group (Borg) from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has been encouraging the conservation of barn owls and introducing the species to padi farms and oil palm plantations as natural pest control agents. Borg, spearheaded by Associate Professor in Pest Management Hasber Salim, has successfully introduced thousands of artificial nest boxes to attract barn owls to oil palm plantations and farms nationwide since then. Recently, 20 artificial nest boxes were installed in padi farms in Kepala Batas to reduce pesticide costs and increase yield — a collaborative effort by Borg, Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas), Global Giving Grant and Corteva Agriscience. But what do you actually know about this local species? Associate Professor Hasber Salim displays a pellet that a barn owls regurgitated after consuming rats. — Picture by Opalyn Mok Here are some facts about the barn owls:
Malaysian Reserve
19-05-2025
- Science
- Malaysian Reserve
Bernas, USM use barn owls to combat paddy field pests
ADIBERAS Nasional Bhd (Bernas) is collaborating with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in the 'Driving Sustainable Agriculture' project which uses barn owls (Tyto alba javanica) as a natural biological control agent to combat paddy field rats — one of the primary threats to the crop yields of smallholder farmers in Malaysia. This collaborative project with USM is driven by the Barn Owl and Rodent Research Group (BORG) under the School of Biological Sciences, and is fully funded by GlobalGiving, an international organisation that supports sustainable development worldwide. BORG coordinator and lead researcher Dr Hasber Salim said the project stands as evidence of how ecology-based approaches can replace toxic rat poisons, which pose significant risks to humans, wildlife and the environment. 'We are deeply grateful to GlobalGiving for its trust and full financial support for this project,' he said in a statement. Using barn owls help farmers reduce costs and avoid the risks associated with chemical pesticides He added that the project is specifically focused on paddy-growing regions, particularly supporting bottom 40% income group (B40) farmers in adopting more environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices. Bernas plays a crucial role in on-ground implementation, including logistics, the distribution of 20 barn owl nest boxes to selected farmers and the management of community awareness campaigns. Bernas head of the farm management department Mohd Zakri Zulkafli shared that the company is committed to supporting this innovative effort as it aligns with Bernas' role as a key stakeholder in the nation's rice industry. 'In addition to helping farmers reduce costs and the risks associated with chemical pesticides, this initiative also contributes towards a more sustainable and competitive agricultural ecosystem,' he said. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) exchange between Bernas and USM to conduct a pilot study on the use of barn owls as biological control agents is expected to bring significant benefits to paddy farmers. Mohd Zakri added that this pilot programme has the potential to become an alternative eco-friendly and safe pest control model for paddy fields, in line with Bernas' agenda to ensure the sustainability of the nation's rice industry and the well-being of local farmers. — TMR
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Bernas adjusts prices of imported white rice
SHAH ALAM: Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) has reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner in national food security by implementing the price adjustment for imported white rice (BPI). This is in line with the announcement made by the Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. Effective yesterday, all BPI prices at Bernas warehouses across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak will be adjusted to RM2,600 per metric ton. However, the government's BPI subsidy programme for Sabah and Sarawak will continue as usual. In a statement, Bernas explains that this proactive measure reflects the company's continuous commitment to supporting the government's efforts in safeguarding the nation's food supply resilience and mitigating the impact of rising global market prices. This allows consumers to purchase imported rice at a lower price, thereby supporting efforts to ease the cost of living. Previously, on Dec 1, 2024, Bernas reduced the BPI price from RM3,000 to RM2,800 per metric ton. Malaysia continues to offer the lowest BPI prices in the Southeast Asian region. Bernas reassures that the nation's supply is sufficient to cater to domestic needs. The company highlights that it continues to source rice from other countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar. This diversified sourcing strategy is aimed at reducing reliance on a single source, safeguarding the national stockpile and ensuring the nation's rice supply remains secure. As the concessionaire under its agreement with the government, Bernas remains committed to managing a sustainable stockpile and ensuring the continuous availability of rice across the country. Bernas also remains committed to its social responsibility by supporting the farmers' community. Following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's February announcement, RM90 million in special aid was channelled by Bernas to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) to support the Madani government's efforts to uplift underprivileged paddy farmers. The fund, entirely contributed by Bernas without the use of public funds, was disbursed in two phases. The first phase of RM60 million was released in stages, with the final installment of RM15 million completed on March 5. The additional RM30 million in cash aid was fully paid to the government on March 28. Bernas will continue to collaborate closely with KPKM and industry stakeholders, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening national food security. The company remains dedicated to supporting the ministry's long-term action plan, with a focus on prioritising farmers' welfare and ensuring the sustainability of the national rice supply.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Bernas revises down price of imported white rice by RM200 to RM2,600 per tonne
KUALA LUMPUR: Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) has implemented the price adjustment for imported white rice (BPI) at RM2,600 per tonne effective May 15. The adjustment is made at all BPI prices at Bernas warehouses across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. The government's BPI subsidy programme for Sabah and Sarawak will continue as usual. Bernas said the measure reflects its continuous commitment to supporting the government's efforts in safeguarding the nation's food supply resilience and mitigating the impact of rising global market prices. Bernas had previously reduced the BPI price from RM3,000 to RM2,800 per tonne in December last year. Bernas reassured that the nation's supply is sufficient to cater to domestic needs. The company highlights that it continues to source rice from other countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar. "This diversified sourcing strategy is aimed at reducing reliance on a single source, safeguarding the national stockpile and ensuring the nation's rice supply remains secure. "As the concessionaire under its agreement with the government, Bernas remains committed to managing a sustainable stockpile and ensuring the continuous availability of rice across the country," it said in a statement. Bernas also channelled RM90 million special aid allocation for paddy farmers, to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to support the government's efforts in improving the livelihoods of underprivileged farmers. The fund was disbursed in two phases. The first phase of RM60 million was released in stages, with the final instalment of RM15 million completed on March 5. The additional RM30 million cash aid was fully paid to the government on March 28.
