NEW MACHINERY WORTH RM510,000 BOOSTS MRTC ROLE IN PADI INDUSTRY

ALOR SETAR, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- The MADA Rice Training Centre (MRTC) here, has received new modern machinery worth RM510,000 under the 2025 Mechanisation and Automation Programme to further strengthen its position as the country’s leading training hub for the padi industry.

Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) chairman Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh said the machines include tractors, combine harvesters and seedling machines, which will improve training from land preparation to harvesting.

“As the only accredited centre under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) offering the Padi Production Operations Supervision Course, MRTC plays an important role in producing skilled youth in line with the needs of Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) and modern agriculture.

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“Since its establishment in 2012, MRTC has produced 547 competent trainees ready to contribute to the padi sector. Each trainee receives certified training that can be directly applied in the industry,” he said at the launch of the new machinery at the MADA Training Complex in Alor Serdang today.

He added that with training focused on technology and the use of modern facilities, MRTC is confident of attracting more young people to the padi industry.

Ismail said the initiative will also help overcome the shortage of skilled workers and develop technology-driven entrepreneurs capable of ensuring the sustainability of the sector and the nation’s food security.

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“We want to increase participation in this industry, but our capacity and budget are limited. At present, there are only 28 trainees, which is far from enough. A larger budget is needed to train more young people in padi farming,” he said.

He noted that MRTC has introduced training modules that integrate modern agricultural technology, such as operating advanced machinery and using drones for fertilising and pesticide spraying.

“MRTC is also equipped with a 3.53-hectare training field complete with pump stations, irrigation canals and cross drains, giving trainees realistic learning experiences within an actual farming ecosystem,” he said.

Ismail expressed confidence that MRTC will continue to drive transformation in the padi industry and produce a new generation of competitive, innovative and technology-savvy farmers to ensure the sector remains sustainable and food security is safeguarded.

Meanwhile, trainee Ahmad Mustaqim Mohamad Mahayudin, 19, from Gunung Keriang, said he joined the programme last year for 18 months because of his interest in padi farming.

“We study for a year before undergoing six months of practical training. I joined because of my passion for agriculture and I believe padi farming will continue to grow with the use of advanced technology,” he said.

Another trainee, Mohammad Ezuan Haikal Mohamad Ezuardi, 19, from Rawang, Selangor, said he enrolled as his family members are also involved in padi farming in Kelantan.

“This programme is very good and offers promising income opportunities. After completing my practical training, I plan to further my studies in agriculture,” he said.

-- BERNAMA