By Roubeeni Mohan

MATA Aerotech signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (FELCRA) Berhad, at the Paddy Seed Centre FELCRA Seberang Perak on the 22nd of July 2019.

Exchange of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Wan Azrain Adnan, Chief Executive Officer, MATA Aerotech Sdn. Bhd. (centre) and Mohd Nazrul Izam bin Mansor, Chief Executive Officer, FELCRA Berhad (second right)

The ceremony was witnessed by Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, the Minister of Economic Affairs. Also present was Datuk Mohamad Nageeb bin Ahmad Abdul Wahab, Chairman of FELCRA.

“The smart agriculture model will change this country’s agriculture landscape. The future is here!” said Wan Azrain Adnan, Chief Executive Officer of MATA Aerotech.

The MoU outlines three main aspects of collaboration, which are: utilising drone and robotics technology in FELCRA’s plantation management and operations, pioneering research and development to increase innovations in agricultural sector and developing human resource for drone and robotics technology industry.

Overall, the implementation of this MoU will give direct positive impact to FELCRA. Data analysis provided by the drone technology will help improve plantation management by acquiring the latest information from the plantations.

According to MATA Aerotech, the use of drone technology will improve crop performance by accurately and quickly mapping plantations as well as assessing crop health and quality. Targeted spraying of fertilisers and pesticides can be done to reduce exposure of pesticides to plantation workers and the environment.

This is done in line with the government’s aspiration to advance into Industrial Revolution 4.0.

At the same time, it will also encourage young Malaysians to venture into agricultural sector, lowering the country’s dependency on foreign labour.