Safeguarding food security

Smart approach: A company official showing how drones are used for the Smart Padi Field programme in Permatang Nibong, Bukit Mertajam. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Despite Penang’s land scarcity and water issues, the government is doing everything within its power to help cushion the impact of the pandemic for the state’s padi farmers.

Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said his ministry has launched the Large-Scale Smart Padi Field programme (Smart SBB) in Penang in an effort to safeguard food security while developing land for padi cultivation.