(Fifth from left) Azman and Rohani together with the BERNAS team and guests during the exclusive live cooking demonstration held on the sidelines of MAHA 2024.
PADIBERAS Nasional Bhd (BERNAS), a key player in Malaysia’s rice industry, is committed to ensuring national food security through extensive initiatives and educational outreach at major exhibitions.
At the forefront of agricultural advancements, BERNAS blends tradition with cutting-edge technology to equip farmers for efficient production, while also engaging the next generation to secure the future of the rice sector. This year, at the Malaysia Agricultural, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show (MAHA 2024) that is being held from Sept 11 to 22 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), BERNAS highlights its leadership in rice production, technological innovations and community empowerment.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu commended BERNAS for its involvement in the bi-annual MAHA exhibition, acknowledging the company’s contributions to the sector.
“BERNAS plays a crucial role in our journey towards ensuring a safe, sufficient and sustainable national rice supply. Their commitment to industry best practices and technological innovations has been instrumental in strengthening our agricultural sector.”
Ensuring food security
BERNAS’ participation in MAHA 2024 demonstrates its commitment to educating visitors and stakeholders about the importance of food security.
Central to its efforts is the Large Scale Smart Paddy Field (Smart SBB) initiative, launched by the government in 2021, with the goal of increasing rice self-sufficiency.
Through the integration of advanced technologies like farm management systems, mechanisation and the Internet of Things (IoT), this programme enhances the productivity and profitability of local farmers.
Smart SBB has now expanded across 10 states, covering over 1,881ha of paddy fields. The initiative supports farmers in optimising yields while improving quality, thus securing a steady rice supply for the nation.
The large-scale implementation of Smart SBB not only boosts rice production but also creates a more sustainable farming ecosystem, contributing directly to Malaysia’s food security goals. At the same time, BERNAS has embraced a variety of technological innovations to modernise paddy farming.
The adoption of drones, machinery and data-driven solutions has revolutionised the paddy farming process. These technologies help farmers monitor crops, manage resources more efficiently and increase the overall yield.
By automating tasks such as sowing, fertilisation and pest control, the new systems reduce labour costs while maximising efficiency.
These advancements were showcased at MAHA 2024 in the Galeri Padi and Hall A. Visitors were given insights into the various initiatives aimed at supporting local communities and enhancing national food security.
The future of our staple food
BERNAS is not only focused on current industry practices but also on the future of Malaysia’s rice industry. A crucial aspect of this vision is the engagement of young people in agriculture. By introducing youth to modern farming technologies and best practices, BERNAS is fostering the next generation of farmers who are tech-savvy and innovative.
Through its various programmes, BERNAS has been working to shift perceptions around farming, making it an attractive career choice for younger Malaysians. Involving the younger generation is critical to ensuring the sustainability of the rice industry, as they will be responsible for driving further innovation and maintaining the country’s food security in the decades to come.Educational resources, training, and financial support are also provided to help farmers adopt best practices, which in turn improve their livelihoods.
One such initiative is the Padi Pulut Langkawi, an ambitious programme designed to elevate the socio-economic status of rice farmers. Encompassing 540ha of paddy fields, this project aims to empower 326 farmers by introducing modern techniques to boost the production of glutinous rice. Launched in May 2024, the first phase of the project covers over 37ha of land, with further development planned through 2028.
This project reflects BERNAS’ commitment in improving rice production as well as enhancing the lives of those who grow it. By focusing on education and best practices, BERNAS ensures that local farmers can achieve higher income returns, thus contributing to the overall economic growth of Malaysia’s agricultural sector.
In addition to its technological and community-focused efforts, BERNAS will showcase traditional rice varieties and their cultural significance, as well as innovation in developing more resistant varieties at MAHA 2024.
The BERNAS Pavilion allows visitors to experience the deep-rooted traditions of Malaysian rice farming while also learning about the advancements in the industry. There are also fun interactive activities, such as the Guess the Rice Weight Contest, to highlight the importance of rice as Malaysia’s staple food.
Live cooking demonstration
A highlight at MAHA 2024 was the live cooking demonstration by BERNAS chairman Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim and Agriculture and Food Security Ministry’s paddy and rice industry director-general Datuk Azman Mahmod.
In collaboration with Kedey Kamek, the two top officials hosted a special session titled “Dari Dapur BERNAS,” where Rohani showcased her unique recipe for Nasi Goreng Dabai.
The live demo brought together food and culture, highlighting the rich diversity of Malaysia’s agricultural products.
To learn more, visit www.bernas.com.my/index.php
