The Malaysian agriculture sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the advent of 5G technology and the innovative use of drones. These advancements are modernising farming practices, with a particular focus on precision farming and real-time surveillance.
Precision farming, a data-driven approach that utilises technology to enhance decision-making in crop and livestock production, is at the heart of this agricultural revolution. This method typically involves automation, allowing farmers to optimise resource use and improve yields. The integration of 5G technology is proving to be a game-changer in this regard.
5G’s higher throughput or bandwidth compared to 4G enables the transmission of significantly more data from the field at once. This is crucial for precision farming, as it allows for the collection and analysis of vast amounts of data, including information on plant growth, health, yield management, and nutrient content. Additionally, 5G’s much lower latency facilitates faster response times, enabling more effective monitoring and control of farming operations.
Local startups like BoomGrow are already leveraging 5G connectivity to conduct real-time data analysis. Powered by machine learning models and AI, these analyses allow for predictions about various aspects of crop cultivation. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo highlighted that 5G enables farmers to reduce resource waste and costs while making better decisions when assessing risks in crop cultivation. This ultimately brings significant benefits not only to farm owners but also to consumers and the national economy.
Drones are another key component of this agricultural revolution. Companies like Garuda Robotics are working with Malaysian farmers to address challenges such as labour shortages, theft, and pest and disease management. The use of 5G-enabled drones in precision farming comes in three main use cases: precision pesticide spraying, equipment monitoring, and security surveillance.
Precision pesticide spraying is one of the most significant applications. Drones equipped with AI can target specific areas of crops, such as the crown of palm trees, for pesticide application. This precision helps to avoid overspraying, which can lead to pesticides leaching into the soil. Garuda Robotics’ drone sprayer solution, Tenera, is already in use on Malaysian plantations, capable of both spot spraying and mist spraying. The system generates reports with data transmitted from the drone, allowing plantation owners to track spraying activities and plan future applications.
The use of 5G-enabled drones also extends to equipment monitoring and security surveillance. Drones can be piloted remotely from a centralised hub off-site by a single operator, reducing the need for additional personnel. This is particularly important for the Civil Aviation Authority, as it ensures full command and control of the drones at all times.
In terms of security, AI-powered drones can conduct automated patrols, monitoring for movement and alerting the command centre in case of intrusions. These drones can also be equipped with thermal scanners for night-time use, providing round-the-clock surveillance.
The implications of these advancements are far-reaching. For farmers, the integration of 5G and drones means increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved yields. For consumers, it translates to more sustainable and affordable agricultural products. For the national economy, it opens up new opportunities in the agritech sector, positioning Malaysia as a leader in modern agriculture.
As these technologies continue to evolve, their impact on the Malaysian agriculture sector is expected to grow. The future of farming in Malaysia is increasingly data-driven and automated, with 5G and drones playing a pivotal role in this transformation.