KUCHING, June 14: The Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) has jointly organised the Satellite Digital Programme with the theme ‘Smart Agriculture’, in conjunction with the 5th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2022 (5th IDECS), for students and lecturers from the Sarawak Agriculture Institute in Semongok at the SMA Heritage and Creative Innovation Centre (CHIC) today.
According to a press release issued today by SMA, more than 30 students and three accompanying lecturers participated in the programme.
“Among the experienced speakers invited to share their knowledge and experiences in the field of smart agriculture were Positive Mind project manager Noresa Donald Matu, Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) deputy director of Industry Academy Dr Nadianatra Musa, and CENTEXS programme coordinator/instructor of Palm and Agricultural Academy Aina Nadia Najwa,” SMA stated.
SMA went on to say in its press release that Noresa is a senior project manager who has vast experiences in the implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) Smart Farming at the Department of Agriculture Sarawak stations.
“Together with the implementing agencies, SMA, Department of Agriculture (DoA) and Ministry of Modernization of Agriculture, Native Land, and Regional Development (MANRED), she has successfully completed the installation and implementation of the IoT technology at Taman Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan (TKPM) Rampangi, Agriculture Research Centre (ARC) Semongok, Institut Pertanian Sarawak (IPS) Semongok, Agriculture Training Centre (ATC) Oya, ARC Kabuloh, and ATC Kubong.
“Meanwhile, Dr Nadianatra and Aina are among the individuals who are actively involved in providing guidance, facilitating, and coordinating the Smart Urban Farming project in several mosques, suraus, and other worship centres in Kuching for the community,” SMA explained.
Furthermore, SMA pointed out that in line with the State government’s vision to strengthen the use of technology in all fields including agriculture, SMA has worked closely with the implementing agencies by executing these pilot projects since the beginning of 2018.
“This implementation turned out to be a fruitful and successful project when few of the modern farmers in TKPM Rampangi have managed to increase their per capita income through the adoption of the IoT Smart Farming System.
“In line with that, the success story of the smart farming projects should be introduced to the community so that they can generate side income as well as to exchange opinions and knowledge with friends for their own improvement.
“The talk today is based on examples and clear evidence of the success of this programme, and is hoped to open the minds of IPS students and cultivate their interest to deepen the use of technology in advancing the field of agriculture in Sarawak,” SMA disclosed.
SMA added that it is also one of the State government’s initiatives in providing a knowledgeable workforce in agriculture and supporting the State government’s digital economy agenda toward a high-income State by 2030. — DayakDaily
