Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has initiated the nationwide deployment of Rakan Tani, an artificial intelligence (AI) co-pilot designed to provide real-time, personalized farming advice to padi farmers through WhatsApp. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Digital, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, National AI Office (NAIO), Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS), and Global AI Village (GAIV).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Rakan Tani was developed under the NAIO Lab as a locally crafted solution aimed at addressing agricultural challenges while promoting AI adoption in line with Malaysia's AI Nation 2030 vision. The platform offers tailored recommendations based on weather conditions, pest risks, and field data, empowering farmers to make informed decisions regarding fertilization, irrigation, and overall crop management.
The current rice self-sufficiency rate in Malaysia is just over 50% against a national target of 80% by 2030. The challenge lies not in the lack of knowledge but in translating it into consistent actions on the ground. Although Malaysia possesses strong agronomic expertise, providing personalized, day-to-day guidance for every farmer has been challenging. Rakan Tani functions as an AI-powered support tool, continuously updating its guidance based on weather patterns, pest threats, and field conditions to assist farmers in making timely decisions.
The nationwide rollout follows a successful 10-week pilot involving 42 farmers under BERNAS' Large-Scale Padi Field Programme (Smart SBB) in Sungai Manik, Perak. Approximately 200 farmers are expected to be onboarded by the end of March, with the initiative set to expand to approximately 110,000 registered padi farmers nationwide. The enhanced version includes improved soil moisture analytics, pest monitoring capabilities, and expanded crop guidance tailored to local rice varieties.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that AI provides tangible benefits to the people. Through Rakan Tani, practical AI tools are being placed directly in the hands of farmers, aiding them in making better decisions, improving productivity, and strengthening Malaysia's food security. The initiative aims to ensure that no Malaysian is left behind in the digital age, showcasing how innovation can solve everyday problems and democratizing access to high-level expertise.
A farmer from Sungai Manik, Mohamad Fazeli Abdullah, reported significant improvements in his yield after adopting the platform's recommendations. His yield rose from four to nine metric tonnes in a single planting cycle. Rakan Tani has become an essential tool in his daily farming, providing clear guidance on fertilization, pest control, and water management, with accurate weather insights and timely alerts.
The initiative is also expected to support agricultural modernization and encourage youth participation in farming amidst an ageing farming population.