KUALA LUMPUR: Paddy farmers nationwide will soon receive artificial intelligence support through the Rakan Tani Pintar AI chatbot serving as a digital agronomy expert.
Padiberas Nasional Berhad Farm Management Department head Mohd Zakri Zulkafli stated this innovative platform can be accessed directly via WhatsApp without downloading separate applications.
The system provides farmers with daily guidance on fertiliser use, disease control, and fieldwork scheduling through text or voice messages in Malay, English, or local dialects.
Farmers need only provide basic field information like plot size, location, rice variety, and crop age to activate the personalised recommendations.
Mohd Zakri explained the system considers weather conditions before critical farming activities to prevent input wastage and environmental damage.
The chatbot will advise postponing spraying during forecasted strong winds or heavy rain for more accurate pest control timing.
Rakan Tani Pintar AI will undergo a 10-week pilot test with selected farmer groups before nationwide rollout by year-end.
This initiative expects to benefit approximately 115,000 registered paddy farmers across Malaysia.
Mohd Zakri emphasised the technology complements rather than replaces field officers by providing data-driven advisory support.
The platform has undergone rigorous user acceptance testing with feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement.
BERNAS will provide developer feedback for any incorrect responses to ensure AI advice remains accurate and expert-verified.
Mohd Zakri also supports monitoring the BERNAS SMART Large-Scale Paddy Field programme strengthening national food security.
Modern technology integration makes agriculture more professional and appealing to younger generations.
Rakan Tani Pintar AI development resulted from collaboration between BERNAS, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the National AI Office, and Global AI Village.
This initiative ensures no farmers are left behind in the agricultural sector’s digital transformation. – Bernama
