Rakan Tani Project: BERNAS Integrates AI to Support Sustainable Agriculture
Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) is advancing Malaysia’s agricultural sector by equipping local padi farmers with innovative technology through its Rakan Tani Project. The initiative leverages WhatsApp-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) to guide farmers throughout the planting process, providing practical, real-time advice.
BERNAS emphasized its role as a leader in the rice industry by making AI accessible and easy to use for farmers across the country. Combining decades of expertise in padi cultivation with a broad network of farmers, the project focuses on delivering solutions that respect local culture and language.
Collaborative Development with National Agencies
The AI technology powering Rakan Tani was developed in partnership with the National AI Office (NAIO), the Ministry of Digital, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), and The Hive’s Global AI Village. NAIO provides strategic oversight aligned with the Malaysia MADANI initiative, while The Hive contributes advanced AI engineering capabilities. BERNAS brings its agricultural expertise and farmer connections to the collaboration.
Practical Application Through SMART SBB
Currently in its pilot phase, Rakan Tani operates under BERNAS' SMART Large-Scale Padi Fields (SMART SBB) program. This initiative connects farmers and field officers, encouraging cross-sector collaboration. The AI assistant, accessible via WhatsApp in Bahasa Malaysia and English—and soon in local dialects—acts as an expert advisor.
The system delivers targeted advice based on BERNAS’ Farm Work Schedule (JKL), covering areas such as soil and crop management and pest and disease control. It customizes recommendations according to each field’s location, rice variety, and crop age, helping farmers optimize their practices.
Continuous Improvement and Future Expansion
BERNAS commits to refining the AI platform by incorporating feedback directly from farmers, ensuring the tool addresses real-world challenges effectively. The goal is to scale the technology nationwide, supporting a more resilient agricultural sector driven by technology. This effort also aims to secure farmers' livelihoods and enhance Malaysia’s food security.
Supporting Malaysia’s AI Vision
NAIO chief Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid highlighted Rakan Tani as a meaningful step toward Malaysia’s National AI Action Plan. The project exemplifies how AI can boost productivity and livelihoods in the agro-food sector, a key focus area. Bringing AI tools directly to farmers strengthens food security and builds a technology-forward future for the country.
- AI-driven guidance accessible through WhatsApp
- Collaboration between government agencies and tech experts
- Real-time, location-specific farming advice
- Ongoing enhancement based on user feedback
- Scalable approach aimed at national implementation
For IT professionals interested in AI applications in agriculture and sustainable development, understanding projects like Rakan Tani offers valuable insights into practical AI deployment. To explore AI courses and training that cover similar real-world use cases, visit Complete AI Training.
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