The eLadang programme was designed to transform traditional farming into High Income Digital Economy Farming Profession by infusing digital technology, i.e. Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Analytics (BDA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into farming for technology validation via pilot projects and digital labs.

The programme complement many efforts by ministries and agencies in transforming the image of agriculture to become exciting and lucrative income generation field, especially to the new generation, through usage of digital technology and application of digital economy solutions.

This programme targeted new and existing farmers which will be facilitated to adopt the latest technology such as IOT, BDA in agricultural practices. They will also be trained on application of digital economy business model. This programme is expected to improve in crop yield and quality, as well as reduction of overall farm operational cost and thus, will result in increment in overall farmers’ income.

https://www.atilze.com/2019/07/26/smart-farming-iot/

• Malaysia

• Youth
• Older persons
• The poor
• Remote and rural communities

The model of eLadang programme is replicable for different type of crops and sub-industry sector e.g. aquaculture. The important ecosystem components are :

1) Technology Partners - Partnership with digital agrotechnology solution providers to be adopted by the farmers

2) Community engagement and upskilling programme to drive more participation from new and existing farmers to the programme and facilitate them to adopt the new farming digital technology

3) Land Operators - Key partners that provide access to land for the digital agriculture lab

For certain crops, the projected return-of-investment (ROI) is much shorter based on the increase in the yield and costs savings. To complete the ecosystem and ensure that the project is sustainable, the following are models that are being worked out:

1) Build and provide linkages to sharing economy logistics model to enhance the agriculture supply chain; removal of unnecessary middle-men and increase return to farmers.

2) Value Added Service Fees for enhanced data analytics and market forecast including services to assist with contract farming.

The eLadang program promotes WSIS values in the society by creating a new digital economy opportunity in farming with the application of digital solutions and business model. This eventually creates a highly-skilled, scientific and professional type of job in agriculture that generates high income as well as growth potential for a sustainable long-term career or business in Malaysia (community).