Perak: Perak hopes the 2027 Budget, to be tabled next October, will include an allocation through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to accelerate the implementation of the Smart Agriculture Development Programme, boost food production, and strengthen national food security. State Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun emphasized the importance of this allocation in helping agro-entrepreneurs and agricultural companies adopt modern technologies to enhance productivity and the quality and quantity of agricultural produce.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Smart Agriculture Development Programme is part of a comprehensive RM3.5 million plan spanning 2026 to 2030. It targets 55 groups, the development of 50 hectares of smart farming areas, and the implementation of five projects through matching grants. Mohd Zolkafly stated that the programme aligns with the National Agro-food Policy 2021-2030 (DAN 2.0) and the state's development roadmap, aiming to transform the agricultural sector through technology. Prioritized technologies under the programme include the Internet of Things (IoT), smart irrigation systems, robotics, mechanisation, automation, vertical farming, and controlled-environment agriculture.
Meanwhile, Perak also seeks federal government approval to incorporate 7,561.86 hectares of padi fields outside the designated granary area in Parit, Perak Tengah, into the Seberang Perak Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) operational zone. Mohd Zolkafly reiterated the importance of this proposal, initially submitted on August 23, 2017, for productive, modern, and efficient area development. Placing the area's management under IADA would enable systematic development and maintenance of agricultural infrastructure, especially irrigation and drainage systems, aligning with the national food security agenda to boost padi production.
Mohd Zolkafly also mentioned that the state government will resubmit agricultural development project proposals that did not receive federal approval for 2026 for consideration under the 2027 Budget. These proposals are among 42 projects submitted for 2026, with a total funding request of about RM30 million for agricultural and agrifood development projects in Perak. Some projects have been approved and are currently being implemented, while others await resubmission for 2027 Budget consideration.
Among the approved projects is the Bio-fertiliser Technology Transfer for Yield and Quality Improvement of Sweet Potato and Padi Crops in Perak, valued at RM70,000. Other ongoing projects include a land development project for Matag coconut cultivation in Kampung Seberang Makmur, Sungai Siput, with a total project cost of RM738,080 and an allocation ceiling of RM700,000 for 2026. The Perak District Padi Granary Peripheral Area Development Project, with a total cost of RM55.94 million, also received approval with an allocation ceiling of RM1.5 million for 2026.
Additionally, other projects approved or in implementation include the High-Value MD2 Pineapple Cultivation Community Project in Kampung Kassim, Tapah Road, valued at RM600,000, and the Perak Rice Programme aimed at empowering the state's padi industry, valued at RM1.35 million. The 'Quick Win' Cockle Production Incentive under the Perak State Cockle Farm Project, valued at RM650,000, the High-Value SG1 Pineapple Cultivation Community Project in Kampung Padang Luas Raban, Lenggong, valued at RM800,000, and the Project to Strengthen the Sustainability of Cockle Seed and Stock Resources in Perak, valued at RM500,000, are also part of the state's agricultural initiatives.