The Digitalization Approach in The Paddy Sector To Achieve The Self-Sufficiency Level In Malaysia

School of Government, Universiti Utara Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: azubir@uum.edu.my

Abstract

“Digitization indeed presents a valuable opportunity to tackle the pressing challenges of productivity, sustainability, and resilience in agriculture. The evidence of its adoption and impact in the agriculture sector highlights notable increases in production and crop resilience. In the specific context of paddy production in Malaysia, the government consistently underscores the importance of embracing digitization in this sector. This paper aims to explore how a digitization approach can be effectively utilized in paddy production to attain self-sufficiency levels (SSL) in Malaysia. Additionally, it identifies key issues and challenges that need to be addressed to achieve self-sufficiency in paddy production. These challenges include: natural resource scarcity: agricultural productivity & innovation and climate change. To ensure the sustainability of paddy production and the successful adoption of digitization, governments play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. In conclusion, the integration of digitization in paddy production is a promising strategy for Malaysia to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production. However, it requires a comprehensive approach that addresses challenges related to resource scarcity, productivity, demographic shifts, and climate change. Governments have a critical role in facilitating this transition by providing support, knowledge, incentives, and a conducive environment for innovation and technology adoption in the agricultural sector.