May-June , 2021 | @ Forest
COVER STORY
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type of plants such as paddy and kelp / seaweed in a single farm ).
Also , edge computing can promote biowaste for biogas to be used biofertilisers , thus promoting the recycling of organic wastes in line with the Green Technology Master Plan Malaysia ( 2017-2030 ).
Going further , such a framework will pave the way for a blockchain / distributed ledger technology to be put in place ( because of scalability ). Real-time data and supply chain process can then be easily accessed and traceable by customers / consumers based on the combined use of QR code and radio frequency identification ( RFID ) technology ( indirectly and secondarily ) at the end of the supply chain , and not just the industry players ( directly and primarily ).
The edge computing supported-IoT system can be powered by solar power to reduce electricity costs and promote the integrated use of renewable energy in agriculture .
Photovoltaic ( PV ) panels can be installed on the farm ’ s fringes or form a “ semi-greenhouse ” or even on top of a fully-fledged greenhouse .
Digitalisation is not limited only to the on-site farming itself . Still , it extends to the post-harvest stage , whereby AI is deployed for the sorting process due for packaging and transportation .
For example , the sorter machine can sort out the categories / grades of chillies ( A , B , or as in the past C also ) with a high degree of accuracy and in a faster turnaround time that is meant for the different market ( retailers such as hypermarts ) as well as production
Smart-farming concept : A drone is used to measure and photograph the area . The data is sent back to the farmer in the cloud .
Photovoltaic ( PV ) panels can be installed on the farm ’ s fringes or form a “ semi-greenhouse ” or even on top of a fully-fledged greenhouse . ” segments ( factories ) mainly within the Klang Valley .
And the proximity between the farm and the collection-distribution centre ( managed by the PPK ) significantly lowers transportation ( and other transaction ) costs ( such as estimated travel time ) which contributes to consistency and stability of the supply chain .
Success of Kuala Langat PPK
The Kuala Langat PPK ’ s success has turned it to be the significant collection-distribution hub for the Klang Valley – with produce from other states , including Kelantan , funnelled there .
Going forward , the extended application of AI and deployment of warehouse and logistical automation such as robotics and drones , respectively , drive the supply chain to become more resilient , especially in light of the disruptions precipitated by the movement control order ( MCO ) measures under Covid-19 and looking towards the promotion of a low-touch economy as part of the “ new normal ”.
The use of digital technologies to propel our agricultural sector forward is expected to be reflected in the upcoming 12th Malaysia Plan and National Agrofood Policy 2.0 as high potential drivers and sources of growth for the nation .
Indeed , we are bracing for exciting times in the field of our agricultural sector – as it too “ graduates ” and surges into the 4IR era with step-by-step applications of digital technologies such as IoT , AI and automation .
While it ’ s probably unrealistic to expect total self-sufficiency , agri-tech will ensure our food sovereignty ( in reducing over-dependence ), food security ( in promoting the stability and sustainability of supply and access ), and food safety ( in ensuring higher and better health and environmental standards ).
Agri-tech Malaysia – onward and upward ! — @ Forest
Jason Loh Seong Wei is head of Social , Law & Human Rights at EMIR Research , an independent think tank focusing on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research .
Internet of Things ( IoT ) in agriculture . Farmers use smart robots to control , monitor and manage in watering , fertilise , chemicaltreat and replant for more efficiency .