FARM AUTOMATION IN PADDY PLANTATION: CASE OF KEDAH

Abstract

Today’s paddy cultivation is more advanced and efficient than in the past. Various advanced technologies used by paddy operators to ensure the paddy plantation process become efficient and provide high quality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the application of current technology in paddy plantation and explore the management of drones in paddy plantations in Kedah. In this sense, a 9,425 km2 region surrounding Kedah was chosen as the study area. Kedah is among the states with the most paddy crops in Malaysia. The questionnaire was distributed among the farmers in Kedah to gather statistics and information on how they manage their paddy plantation. In gathering correct information about the use of drone technology and the energy required for rice farming, drone service providers were also contacted and interviewed. The results of this study demonstrated that the process of planting rice involves highly automated technologies. It also revealed that farmers in Kedah were using mechanisation technology effectively. The government should make aggressive efforts to improve the role of mechanised technology to assist in achieving the nation's rice supply targets.