UMPSA collaborates with KUTIP participants on IoT-Based Smart Agricultural System Project

PEKAN, 27 June 2024 - The establishment of Pahang IoT Farmers Cooperative Berhad (KUTIP), an agricultural cooperative initiated by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) together with participants from the IoT-Based Smart Agricultural System Project, underscores the university's commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises (B40 group) in Pahang.

Through this cooperative, UMPSA aims to enhance the management efficiency of agricultural produce among project participants using an integrated IoT (Internet of Things) system and fertigation techniques, supported by the Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development Fund (DPUB) program. 

This initiative aims to facilitate sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth within the B40 group.

According to UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, the cooperative's establishment reflects UMPSA's dedication to guiding and supporting project participants throughout their journey.

"UMPSA is committed to ensuring the success of all project participants and to advancing agricultural practices through innovation and technology. 

“The launch of KUTIP exemplifies our ongoing effort to empower communities and drive agricultural sector advancement," he commented.

Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie officiated the Participant Appreciation Ceremony with the Bumiputera Agenda Leader Unit (TERAJU) and the Launch of IoT Pahang Farmers' Cooperative (KUTIP) at UMPSA Pekan. 

The event was attended by Haji Aizat Ponirin, Associate Director of the Strategic Delivery Division of TERAJU, and Syahirah Mohamad, Deputy Director of the Malaysian Cooperative Commission in Pahang.

In addition to promoting social and community development, KUTIP will engage in activities such as cultivating cash crops and leafy vegetables, providing agricultural inputs, establishing distribution networks, and offering consulting, training, and technical services. 

These initiatives are aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, reducing operational costs, expanding market access, and strengthening supply chains to ensure sustainability and effectiveness in the agricultural industry.

Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie emphasized UMPSA's role as a technology-driven university dedicated to community development, aligning with the UMPSA Strategic Plan 2021-2025 theme 'Technology for Society'.

Haji Aizat commended UMPSA, program leaders, researchers, and participants for their commitment to the DPUB program's success and the establishment of KUTIP, which supports B40 group entrepreneurs in Pahang.

The ceremony recognized outstanding contributions, including the Cekal Farmer Award presented to program participant R. Rosnizan Ibrahim, who is a single mother known for her dedication. 

The Best Productivity Award was conferred to Siti Aishah Mat Husaind and Abdul Rahman Mohd. Salim for achieving a net sales value exceeding RM30,000. Mohd Firdaus Abd Fatah received the Agricultural Innovation Award for developing organic insecticides and bio-organic fertilizers, while the Sustainable Icon Award was bestowed upon Shamsudin Abd Hamid, Zakaria Mat Napi, and Abdul Ghaib Md Toha.

The event was also graced by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr. Aida Mustapha, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of the Industry & Community Network Center, Professor Datin Ts. Dr. Mimi Sakinah Abdul Munaim, Chief Registrar, Dato' Saiful Bahri Ahmad Bakarim, Treasurer, Dato' Zainuddin Othman, and Chief Librarian, Kamariah Gono.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)