Adoption of Drone Technology Rises in the Agriculture and Plantation Sector

Malaysia Digital Economy Cooperation (MDEC), the lead agency in driving the digital economy under the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia, anticipates higher rates of drone technology adoption in 2021. This is expected to be driven by an increase in demand and growing technology readiness in the country.
MDEC DroneTech and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Ecosystem manager Wan Mohd Farhan Wan Mohd Fuad said the COVID-19 pandemic has advanced and accelerated the need for digitalization and acceptance of drone technology in the sector. Among the key reasons is that drone technology is now seen as a more cost-effective and better option, especially for conventional industries like paddy farming and oil palm plantations.
For its future strategy, MDEC is looking for an opportunity to test cross-border delivery of drones with neighboring countries that may require harmonization across the region, and reliable, integrated, and safe innovative technology. The agency is currently in the process of identifying drone technologies and various players locally and globally to gain necessary information and data so that it can continue to support the growth of local companies.
MDEC also joined the first Virtual World Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Summit 2021, attended by 300 participants from various countries including China, Japan, and Greece.
(Sources: Bernama; The Edge Markets)