Smart SBB Revolutionises Padi Farming In Kota Belud

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- The Smart Large-Scale Padi Field (Smart SBB) programme has revolutionised padi farming in Kota Belud with the introduction of advanced technologies such as drone usage and modern ploughing machinery.

Launched in 2023, this high-impact initiative has not only modernised the padi farming sector but has also nurtured a new generation of padi farmers who are more productive, efficient, professional, and competitive in increasing their yields.

Kampung Jawi-Jawi Village is among the pioneering locations for the Smart SBB programme in Kota Belud, Sabah’s main rice granary, located about 73 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu. Nineteen padi farmers are involved in cultivating 49 hectares of padi under this initiative.

Sharing his experience with Bernama, Adlin Mohammad, the Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) farm manager in Jawi-Jawi, said the programme has significantly transformed the lives of padi farmers, who no longer rely on manual labour as they once did.

Adlin, 51, a third-generation padi farmer who has been in the industry for 18 years, shared that the use of modern technology has not only saved time and energy but also enhanced fieldwork efficiency.

“We used to plough with buffaloes, but now we use a variety of modern machinery, adapted to the area’s terrain and soil conditions,” he said when met by Bernama at the BERNAS booth during the three-day National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day 2025 celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre, which concluded yesterday.

Although there was initial scepticism, Adlin said the programme has since received a positive response from farmers, who now embrace the blend of traditional knowledge and modern technology.

“The rice-seeding process using drones is not only faster but also more uniform compared to traditional methods. Farmers no longer need to be in the fields daily. They can now monitor operations remotely,” explained Adlin, who plays a key role in overseeing the Smart SBB operations in his village.

In addition to more systematic irrigation management, the programme also emphasises disease and pest control, with farmers guided to conduct regular monitoring to minimise the risk of crop infection.

This proactive approach, he said, has improved discipline in crop management, addressing longstanding challenges such as pest infestations and unpredictable weather patterns like drought.

He said padi yields have also shown consistent improvement throughout the programme’s four seasons, with production rising from 4.11 metric tonnes per hectare in the first season to 4.59 metric tonnes per hectare in the fourth season this year.

"Every increase in paddy production means that our income also increases. We hope to be able to continue this momentum," he said, hoping that the relevant agencies could provide diesel subsidies and logistical assistance, particularly for harvesting operations outside BERNAS-supervised areas.

He proposed the introduction of new padi seed varieties, noting that while TR8 seeds have been in use for nearly a decade due to their suitability for local soil and climate conditions, newer varieties could offer even better yields.

Adlin emphasised the importance of continued government support for BERNAS by approving proposals that could expand the Smart SBB initiative and strengthen infrastructure to boost paddy production.

The Smart SBB programme is a strategic initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security aimed at increasing padi output, improving farmers’ income, and ensuring national food security through the use of modern technology and integrated management.

Apart from BERNAS, the programme in Kota Belud is implemented in collaboration with technical agencies such as the Kota Belud Integrated Agricultural Development Area, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, and the Kota Belud Area Farmers' Organisation.

Following its success in Kampung Jawi-Jawi, the programme was expanded in the second season of 2023 to cover 174.97 hectares with the participation of 121 farmers.

-- BERNAMA