AI, remote sensing to modernise paddy farm management

KUCHING: Sarawak is moving to apply artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensing technology to modernise paddy farm management.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) and Department of Agriculture (DoA) have been directed to work with Huawei on the initiative.

He said available technologies could allow farms to be monitored and managed remotely, including detecting problems affecting crops.

“To me, if these are the technologies available, it is a question of applying this technology, especially in our paddy production.

“I have directed CENTEXS and also DoA to work with Huawei on this farm management.

“Once your farm is designed in that particular structure, then you can manage your farm, and at the same time, you can manage the seed that you use for production,” he said.

He said this when officiating at the 2nd Sarawak Rice Conference (SARICON II) 2026 at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here today (Oct 6).

Abang Johari said technology available today could enable farmers to monitor their operations without necessarily being physically present at the farm.

He said this could extend to monitoring crop growth and identifying pests, with AI used to analyse information and assist in addressing problems detected in the field.

“But whatever it is, there is that technology that engages with the business you are doing.

“I was talking to them just now about managing the farm. Then naturally, they showed me how you manage the farm, even to the extent of monitoring the growth of your paddy or any crop.

“And then, what happens is, if there are some issues there, they will detect it and tell you. Then, of course, you can refer to AI to help you,” he added.

Abang Johari said remote sensing equipped with cameras could similarly be used to gather information for farm management, with AI assisting in analysing the data.

He said technology should also be accompanied by proper farm design, particularly in managing water for paddy cultivation.

Farms, he said, could incorporate ponds and systems that allow water to circulate between the cultivation area and the pond.

“There must be a mechanism using technology to manage and control water.

“Once it is there, of course, the farm can be used for other things — I mean the pond — for fish or duck farming.

“And then this will supplement the income of the farmers, while at the same time you manage water,” he said.

Abang Johari said Sarawak could no longer rely solely on conventional farming methods if it is to increase paddy yields and farmers’ incomes.

“We cannot rely on conventional methods anymore because we have to increase the yield per hectare and, at the same time, increase the income of our farmers,” he said.