MARDI Calls On Drone Operators To Obtain RCOC-AL Certificate

ALOR SETAR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) recommends that all agricultural drone operators follow the new certification module, the Remote Certificate of Competency-Agriculture Light (RCOC-AL), to ensure that the technology is used correctly and contributes to optimal yield increases.

MARDI chairman Dr Azman Ismail said the module, which has been recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), also allows drone operators to be recognised, thus increasing the industry's trust and confidence in local expertise.

"Drones used in the right way, with the right formula and optimal use, will increase yields, but when drones are used without taking other factors into account, they will have a negative impact.

"We are also worried about the safety aspect when the drone suddenly falls, so that is what we are worried about. I am grateful that the operators trained with this module have guidelines to contribute to good agricultural yields,” he told reporters at the Opening Ceremony of the Drone Tour Programme (Northern Zone Stage) here, today.

Azman said the use of drone technology provides various benefits in the agricultural sector including more efficient crop management, real-time crop monitoring and more effective fertilisation and pesticide spraying.

Therefore, he called for more agencies to support and invest in this technology so that the country's agricultural sector can move in line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0 in the use of digital technology.

“It is a necessity and no longer an option, I believe this will open a new chapter for a more modern, efficient and competitive agricultural sector,” he said.

Also present was MARDI director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani.

-- BERNAMA