KUCHING: Sarawak is set to incorporate smart farming in new township developments to boost its food production.
A pilot smart-township project, which will incorporate urban farming concept, will be implemented in Kuala Baram, Miri in northern Sarawak, according to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the project will span 300 acres, with 10% of the land designated for smart farming that will involve community participation.
The project is a collaboration between Sarawak Land Custody and Development Authority and Simfoni Strategi Sdn Bhd.
It is inspired by successful models in Japan and Taiwan and the initiative aims to integrate urban living with cutting-edge agricultural practices, setting a new standard in residential development.
Simfoni deputy chief executive officer Hii Wei Wen briefed Abang Johari on the company’s smart-farming approach during the premier’s recent visit to the project site.
According to Hii, the company embraces precision and efficiency in every aspects of its agricultural practices on the plot of greenhouses.
It utilises automation system and mobile apps to automate irrigation process, application of fertilisers, control of pests and diseases as well as climate control in the greenhouses.
Through reduced costs and higher output, Hii said the company aims to stablise product prices in the market while ensuring stable and sufficient supply in meeting consumer demand.
Residential homes in the new township will feature gardens, allowing residents to engage in the cultivation and production of high-value fruits for local and international markets.
Abang Johari said a golden melon farm using advanced technology, including drones, tablets and a command centre, had been planned for the smart farming in the township project.
“Golden melons can cost up to about RM100 each in Japan. I believe the production cost in Sarawak may be lower.
“If we can produce higher volume, it could provide extra income for rural agripreneurs,” he said later when closing the Congress on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security 2024 in Bintulu.
Abang Johari said if the pilot project is successful, it will be extended to rural satellite towns where affordable housing is developed to generate additional income for the lower-income group.
To boost food security and self sufficiency and turn Sarawak into another Malaysia’s rice bowl, the state is going big in paddy cultivation.
The Sarawak government is setting aside RM1bil to develop 10,000ha in Stumbin, Lingga and Tanjung Bijat in Sri Aman Division for large-scale paddy planting.
