Rakan Tani Project: BERNAS Drives Sustainability In Agriculture With AI

SHAH ALAM, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) is leading the way in equipping local padi farmers with cutting-edge technology to ensure the sustainability of Malaysia’s agricultural sector, through its Rakan Tani Project.

In a statement, BERNAS announced that the project employs WhatsApp-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, specifically designed to guide farmers through each stage of the planting process.

"As the leader in the rice industry, BERNAS is pioneering the integration of AI into agriculture, bringing this technology directly to farmers at the grassroots level," the statement read.

"With an extensive network of farmers nationwide and decades of experience in padi cultivation, BERNAS ensures that Rakan Tani is not only advanced but also user-friendly, culturally appropriate, and easily accessible," it added.

As the strategic partner for the project, BERNAS noted that the technology was developed through collaboration with the National AI Office (NAIO), the Ministry of Digital, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), and The Hive’s Global AI Village.

NAIO provides strategic direction in line with the Malaysia MADANI initiative, BERNAS contributes its expertise and farmer network, while The Hive’s Global AI Village offers advanced AI engineering capabilities.

The pilot phase of the Rakan Tani Project is currently being tested under BERNAS' SMART Large-Scale Padi Fields (SMART SBB) initiative, which connects farmers and field officers through cross-sector collaboration.

"Available on WhatsApp in Bahasa Malaysia, English, and soon in local dialects, the AI co-pilot acts as an 'agriculture expert advisor' for farmers.

"Rakan Tani provides real-time guidance on best farming practices, based on BERNAS' Farm Work Schedule (JKL), including soil and crop management, pest and disease control, while personalising advice according to each field’s location, rice variety, and crop age," the statement added.

BERNAS also highlighted that it will continue to enhance the technology based on farmer feedback to ensure it meets on-the-ground needs.

This initiative also sets the stage for expanding the technology nationwide, with the aim of building a more resilient, tech-driven agricultural sector. It is a step toward ensuring the livelihoods of farmers and strengthening the country’s food security.

Meanwhile, in the same statement, NAIO chief Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid, said  the Rakan Tani collaboration is a significant development in achieving Malaysia’s AI vision, which emphasises empowering citizens through technology.

He highlighted that this partnership supports the agro-food sector, a key area under the National AI Action Plan, demonstrating AI as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation.

"By bringing AI directly to farmers, we are not only enhancing food security but also improving the livelihoods and productivity of farmers, who are the backbone of our nation. This is how we build a resilient, technology-driven future for all Malaysians," he added.

-- BERNAMA