In a significant step forward in advancing paddy field management, key stakeholders from government agencies, industry leaders, subject matter experts, and academia visited Kg. Bohor Kedah to witness a live demonstration of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS' (UTP) PREDITACKTM technology.
Among those present were Technology Depository Agency (TDA) Chairman YB Sim Tze Tzin, TDA Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharoul Jambari, Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) Executive Vice President Datuk Dell Akbar Khan, and Muda Agriculture Development Authority (MADA) General Manager Tuan Haji Kamarudin Dahuli.
Representatives from MRCB- Setia Utama LRT 3 Sdn Bhd, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana), the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), and UTP researchers were also present.
The visit aimed to showcase PREDITACKTM effectiveness in addressing the persistent issue of golden apple snail infestations in paddy fields, particularly within the MADA region of Kedah.
PREDITACKTM, a cutting-edge innovation developed by Ts Dr Mazeyanti Mohd Ariffin of UTP's Institute of Emerging Digital Technologies, leverages Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and immobiliser technology to combat the detrimental effects of golden apple snails on paddy yields.
The demonstration highlighted PREDITACKTM 's capability as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution, improving crop yields, reducing the cost of eliminating golden apple snails in paddy fields, and decreasing reliance on chemical pesticides.
These collaborations underscore the collective effort to bring advanced technological solutions to the agricultural sector, ensuring higher yields and sustainable farming practices. UTP's involvement in this collaboration highlights their diverse and innovative solutions as they expand their research and development focus into agricultural and food securities.
Projek Ladang IR 4.0, a forward-thinking initiative by MADA, focuses on integrating modern technologies to enhance agricultural productivity. PREDITACKTM serves as a key component of this initiative, assisting farmers to scan, forecast, and immobilise golden apple snails, leading to more efficient paddy field management.
Based on field tests conducted by UTP researcher led by Nurshazlyn Mohd Aszemi, PREDITACKTM could eradicate more than 75% of golden apple snails within a 100-meter radius. Importantly, it is safe for other species, acting as a targeted solution that eliminates only golden apple snails and protects the natural ecosystem.
During the visit, the stakeholders also engaged in discussions about deploying PREDITACKTM for broader farmer use. This commitment from all parties involved paves the way for making PREDITACKTM accessible to farmers across Malaysia.
The successful demonstration of PREDITACKTM marks a milestone in the journey towards innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.
With continued collaboration and support from all stakeholders, PREDITACKTM is poised to become an integral technology in the fight against golden apple snails, ultimately contributing to the prosperity and sustainability of Malaysia's paddy fields.
