Assessing paddy farming sustainability in the Northern Terengganu Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA KETARA): A structural equation modelling approach

Production instability and uneconomic sizes of planted areas are amongst the main issues and concerns for sustainability in Malaysian paddy farming. However, a sustainable development approach in the agricultural sector is not solely determined by such factors. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the level of sustainability in paddy farming based on five aspects that cover economic, social, ecology, institutional and technology indicators. The respondents consisted of 350 farmers who are members of the Water Consumer Group of the Northern Terengganu Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA KETARA). Based on questionnaires from structured interviews, the data were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that technological advancement is the primary positive factor that determined the level of sustainability in IADA KETARA. The economy, society and institutions were also positive factors. Thus, it can be concluded that technological advancement is the most crucial element for achieving sustainability in the Malaysian paddy sector. Nevertheless, the adverse ecological impacts that could result from the adoption of any technological advancements must not be underestimated by the stakeholders.