AI helps monitor and manage rice fields remotely, productivity levels

KUCHING, 6 Oct: Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has the potential to enable rice fields in Sarawak to be monitored and managed remotely through the use of donors, cameras and data analysis.

Sarawak's premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, said the technology could help entrepreneurs identify crop conditions and problems in fields more quickly before action is taken.

"If we manage agriculture, with technology like that, wherever you are, you'll still know what's happening on your farm", he said.

He said this during his inaugural address to the Sarawak II Conference of Priests (SARICON II) 2026 here, today.

Brother Johari said the application of AI and donation technology also has the potential to improve farm management efficiency, thus helping increase yield per hectare.

He said the technology should be explored to reduce reliance on conventional methods as Sarawak strives to increase rice production and strengthen state food security.

"I think with the knowledge of the researchers before me, you can explore all these possibilities and I look forward to your solution", he said.

According to him, the same technology can also be utilized in field water management through a system that allows water supply to be controlled and distributed more systematically.

"Our vision is that the model farmer must be a farmer with technology. The land is there, but we need to know how to manage our land", he said.

The SARICON II 2026 conference brings together researchers, academics, industry experts and stakeholders to discuss the future of sustainable rice production.