By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 6: Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) and the Department of Agriculture have been instructed to collaborate with Huawei to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), remote sensing and sustainable water management systems, as Sarawak moves to modernise its paddy farming sector.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative forms part of the State’s broader strategy to transform rice production through technology and improve food security amid growing climate-related challenges.
“I have directed CENTEXS and also the Department of Agriculture to work with Huawei on this farm management,” he said when officiating at the 2nd Sarawak Rice Conference (SARICON II) 2026 at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre today.
According to Abang Johari, modern technology can enable farmers to monitor crops, manage water resources, detect pests and optimise farm operations in real time, even from remote locations.
“Once your farm is designed in that particular structure, then you can manage your farm, and at the same time manage the seed that you use for production of paddy,” he said.
Abang Johari emphasised that sustainable water management should become a central feature of future paddy estates, particularly as climate change creates greater uncertainty over agricultural production.
He envisioned farms being designed with integrated irrigation and water recycling systems, allowing water to circulate efficiently within farming areas.
“To me, there must be water management equipped in the farm. Rice needs water. Once you irrigate the land, maybe part of the farm can have a pond where water circulates within the farm and then returns to the pond.
“There must be a mechanism using technology to manage and control water,” he said.
Abang Johari added that such systems could also support aquaculture and livestock activities, such as fish and duck farming, providing farmers with additional income streams while making better use of farm resources.
Beyond water management, he said advances in AI, remote sensing and smart imaging technologies are creating new opportunities for precision agriculture.
The Premier cited emerging technologies capable of monitoring crop growth, identifying pest infestations and detecting potential problems before they affect yields.
“Technology today allows you to manage your farm from anywhere. You can monitor the growth of your paddy, identify problems, detect pests and receive alerts immediately,” he said.
He noted that AI-powered systems can analyse vast amounts of farm data and provide recommendations to improve productivity and decision-making.
“We have to use AI as it can help us manage our land through remote sensing and camera technology,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak can no longer rely solely on conventional farming methods if it hopes to significantly increase rice production and reduce dependence on imported supplies.
“We cannot rely on conventional anymore because we have to increase the yield per hectare. At the same time, we increase the income of our farmers,” he said.
He urged researchers, scientists and technology experts attending SARICON II to explore innovative approaches that could help Sarawak achieve higher productivity, improve farm management and strengthen long-term food security.
“Our vision is that the modern farmer must be a farmer equipped with technology,” he said.
The Premier also encouraged scientists attending the conference to explore new rice varieties, including lower-carbohydrate rice that could contribute to healthier diets and help address rising diabetes concerns.
“I look forward to your recommendations and what we can do to adjust our approach in pursuing higher paddy production and modern farm management,” he added.
He expressed confidence that SARICON would generate practical ideas and technological breakthroughs to support Sarawak’s ambition of becoming a major contributor to Malaysia’s rice self-sufficiency goals.
Deputy Minister of Food Industry Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail representing Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Deputy Minister of Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben as well as Pakan assemblyman and advisor in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development) Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
