KENINGAU: The use of drone technology in the agricultural sector can increase yields, reduce dependence on foreign workers and provide job opportunities to farmers, especially those in rural areas, said Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
He said the development of the ecosystem for the application of drone technology in the agricultural sector is able to help entrepreneurs further increase agricultural yield.
From studies that have been carried out, the use of drones in the sector can provide farmers with accurate information on the use of poison and fertilisers as well as the health status of crops.
“This allows an increase in crop productivity of around 30 per cent and a reduction in operating costs by 20 per cent.
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Arthur, who is also Pensiangan Member of Parliament, said the government through his Ministry, is committed in collaborating with relevant parties to adapt technological solutions that have an effective impact in ensuring the security of food supply at an affordable cost.
He said the field of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is very broad and has great potential to help facilitate daily work including in the agriculture and plantation sector.
“As Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation and also a Member of Parliament, I will pay attention and look indepth at innovations and technologies that are suitable for us to apply here.
“I believe there must be innovation that will help improve the quality and productivity of crops,” he said.
Arthur described the oil palm industry in Keningau and Sook have the potential to help increase the economy and income of the people in rural areas.
Therefore, he called for more oil palm farmers to join cooperatives like this to facilitate the distribution of information and assistance related to the oil palm industry.
He said the participation of cooperatives can increase the networking with other industry players to keep up with technological developments in the industry.
More than 300 members of the cooperative including Keningau Sustainable Oil Palm Planters Cooperative Chairman, Datuk Justin Guka, were present at the meeting.
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