Kuala lumpur: Padi farming is set to become more efficient with the adoption of remotely controlled, solar-powered irrigation systems and automated planting and harvesting machinery. These two smart-farming technologies are being showcased for the first time by Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show (MAHA) 2026 at Laman Padi, Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, BERNAS Farm Management Department Mechanisation Unit head Ikwan Hakim Yaacob stated that the smart water management system, featuring mobile solar-powered pumps and the auto-steer system, forms part of the company's efforts to rejuvenate padi farming through technology. The technologies align with MAHA 2026's focus on artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and smart farming to modernise the country's agrifood sector.
The approach aims to shift the padi industry from conventional practices towards a smarter, data-driven and automated system, thereby improving operational efficiency in the fields. "We also hope that the integration of technology will attract more young people to agriculture, increase farmers' awareness of technological advancements and empower them to adopt modern farming methods," Ikwan Hakim told Bernama.
Ikwan Hakim said the smart water management system is a prototype developed through a collaboration between BERNAS and smart farming company Sperry Sdn Bhd. The system uses solar energy to power its pumps, eliminating the need for petrol or diesel. Equipped with water-level sensors, the system enables farmers to monitor field conditions and control pump operations remotely via a smartphone application.
"When water levels are insufficient, farmers can activate the pumps to channel water into the fields. Excess water can also be drained when necessary, with all relevant information available through the application," he explained. The modular and portable system can be shared by several farmers in the same area and is designed to irrigate about two hectares of padi fields a day.
Ikwan Hakim said the technology could help reduce operating costs, as conventional pumps typically require RM40 to RM60 worth of petrol or diesel for about six hours of operation each day. However, BERNAS is still conducting a cost-benefit analysis to determine the system's most suitable design and cost before expanding its implementation. The company aims to introduce it to farmers under the BERNAS SMART Large-Scale Padi (SMART SBB) Programme by the end of this year or early 2027.
The SMART SBB Programme currently covers about 3,900 hectares through 65 projects involving more than 1,200 farmers nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak. On the auto-steer system, Ikwan Hakim said it was developed in collaboration with SCS Group and Topcon Positioning Asia (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. Installed on padi planting and harvesting machinery, the system uses satellite guidance to enable the machines to follow pre-set paths automatically. However, operators must remain in the driver's seat to monitor operations and ensure safety.
The technology helps minimise overlapping paths during planting and harvesting, improving land utilisation and reducing operator fatigue. It also records operational data, including the area cultivated, working duration and fuel consumption, allowing farmers to make more informed decisions. BERNAS plans to pilot the auto-steer system in selected SMART SBB project areas in Selangor, Perak and the northern peninsula after MAHA 2026.
The BERNAS Padi Pavilion at MAHA 2026 highlights the company's role in managing the national rice supply and strengthening the padi ecosystem and food security. Visitors can also take part in interactive activities, including a sensory rice experience and padi harvesting demonstrations, as well as a public pledge promoting awareness of food security. MAHA 2026, themed 'Penciptaan Nilai Demi Keterjaminan Makanan', runs from Aug 28 to Sept 6.