MELAKA: Drones are set to play a central role in modernising the state's agricultural sector, offering faster, safer and more efficient farming methods.
Klebang assemblyman Datuk Lim Ban Hong said the use of drones in padi farming would ease the workload of and reduce health risks to farmers when using pesticides, for example.
"Without drones, two workers would take about 30 minutes to sow seeds on 0.4ha of land while with drones, the same task can be completed in just five minutes.
"Spraying pesticides, which previously took 30 to 45 minutes, can now be done in only three minutes, with better chemical distribution and reduced exposure for workers," he said after observing drone-assisted cultivation techniques at padi fields in Bukit Rambai here on Wednesday (September 17).
Lim said farmers could also minimise dependency on manpower by modernising farming methods.
"Farmers also need to be trained on managing drones and other modern machinery.
"More colleges should introduce courses to train farmers with the necessary skills," he said, adding that cooperation from all stakeholders was necessary to shift from traditional methods to modern agricultural practices.
"I also hope more incentives and allocations are announced in the upcoming parliamentary and state budgets for modern farming," he said, adding that Klebang has the largest tract of padi fields in the state.
Meanwhile, Lim said the Bukit Rambai Padi Irrigation Scheme had reached its final development stage, with land acquisition expected to conclude by early 2026.
He said the RM50mil project would provide efficient irrigation and sufficient water supply for agricultural activities across 800ha.
"Once land acquisition is complete, work will begin on constructing irrigation channels, followed by a tender process to select contractors.
"The project designs and studies are finished and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2027 or 2028," he said.
Lim said the new irrigation infrastructure would serve areas including Kampung Pinang, Gedung Lalang, Bukit Rambai, Batang Tiga, Klebang Besar and Stulang Daeng.
"Once operational, the system enables farming cycles to increase from four to five times every two years, significantly boosting local rice production," he added.
