THE FOURTH industrial revolution(IR 4.0) refers to the growing trend of automation and usage of technology in various industries, and agriculture is one of the most important amongst them.
YB Tuan Mohd Saripudin Tuan Ismail, Exco and Chairman of the Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry, Biotechnology, Green Technology and Environment saw the need for Kelantan agriculture to keep in pace with the aforementioned revolution. Under the programme called ‘Pendigitalan Pertanian’(agricultural digitalisation), 12 proactive initiatives are being undertaken in achieving maximization of profit.
One of the most important, and perhaps easier concept to be adapted by conservative farmers is the usage of drone to spray fertilizer, pesticides and fungicides. The crucial usage of drones in global agriculture is reflected with the expected growth market from USD 1.2 billion in 2020 to USD 5.7 billion by 2025.
And as such, the Kelantan government chose not to be left behind.
Under the initiative, 100 drones will be used to improve the efficiency level of agriculture in Kelantan. A report by BBC dubbed agricultural drones as ‘flying farmhands’, reaching the parts where tractors can’t, and with greater precision, hence reducing the cost.
Government as ‘enabler’
The state government do not stop at merely providing the drones. Special courses will be held where farmers can learn how to use the drones, and subsequently acquiring the license to use it.
The state government act as an enabler, to garner the necessary competency of the ‘rakyat’ and harnessing their confidence in life. This relationship between the government and the ‘rakyat’ signifies the approach taken by PAS government in Kelantan whereby the ‘rakyat’ is always encouraged to gain knowledge and ultimately be independent.
The ‘Lebai’ is doing just fine
As a final note, but an important one, is the educational background of the Exco responsible for this important programme.
YB Tuan Mohd Saripudin Tuan Ismail came from Islamic studies educational background, with a bachelor’s degree from Al-Azhar University Cairo and a master’s degree from American Open University of Cairo, hence a ‘lebai’.
And yet again, another ‘lebai’ from the Kelantan government proved to the world that when it comes to governance, the ‘lebai’ is doing just fine.
MUHAMMAD NABIL ZULKIFLI
Darulnaim Research Centre – HARAKAHDAILY 31/3/2022
