KLANG: The Sekinchan-style Large Scale Smart Padi Field (Smart SBB) method has made waves, but academics have cautioned about its drawbacks, too.
“If the main objective is to increase output, enhance food security and reduce the dependency on imported rice which is costing billions of ringgit, then it is suitable to be expanded throughout Malaysia,” said Dr Noraziyah Abd Aziz, who is with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology.
However, she said that facilities such as an efficient irrigation system, sufficient numbers of transplanting, ploughing and mini harvesting machines, as well as an efficient water schedule, must first be upgraded to be on par with Sekinchan for the Smart SBB method to be effective in other locations.
The Sekinchan-style Smart SBB programme, which began in 2023, emphasises high-yield agricultural practices using the “Knowledge, Attitude and Practice” approach.
Last month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat that the government was planning to adopt agricultural methods used in Sekinchan, Selangor, which have significantly boosted rice production in states such as Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan and Terengganu.
Noraziyah, when contacted, said the Smart SBB method depended on synthetic agricultural inputs, such as high pesticide usage.
As such, she said its potential adverse impact on the environment and biodiversity must be looked into.
According to her, the negative impact includes the loss of flora and fauna, especially species that are native to the area and crucial to maintaining the stability of the ecosystem there.
“Focus must be given to replace synthetic pesticide with something more environmentally friendly to decrease the harm to the farmers, the environment and consumers as well,” she said.
Another adverse impact is soil degradation in the padi fields as well as eutrophication, which is over-fertilisation resulting in the overgrowth of plants and algae in drains and rivers.
In view of this, Noraziyah said farmers should be cautious and adjust their fertiliser needs accordingly to avoid overdoing it.
“Periodic soil profiling helps enhance fertiliser input, prevent wastage and decrease any negative impact on the environment,” she added.
Dr Mohd Ikmal Asmuni, who is also with UKM’s Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, said the Smart SBB method emphasised good management practices with the use of an organised work schedule to manage padi fields in order to optimise yield.
“An organised work schedule is important as it helps farmers in terms of accurate timing and precise use of fertiliser according to the exact amount needed,” he said.
However, he pointed out that some padi farmers tended to neglect the importance of farm management.
“Even if the potential yield of the variety is 10 tonnes per hectare, improper fertiliser and fungicide or insecticide application will not help them achieve the expected yield.
“So, through the Smart SBB method, they must be disciplined in managing their padi fields with the use of modern technologies.”
According to Mohd Ikmal, using drones to apply fertilisers and pesticides would allow for a more uniform application of these substances in large-scale farming.
As a result, he said that the crops would receive adequate nutrients and the risk of disease infection would be reduced.
“Farmers can also manage irrigation in their fields more effectively with the use of modern tools incorporated with IoT (Internet of Things).
