With Malaysia’s rice self-sufficiency declining from 65.2 percent in 2021 to 62.6 percent in 2022, there’s an urgent need to protect crops and strengthen local production. Dr Hermawan Nugroho, Associate Professor of the Department Electrical and Electronic and his team developed a smart solution to help farmers detect rice diseases early and improve yields.
Imagine a farmer in a remote village noticing strange spots on his rice leaves. Without internet or expert help nearby, he might lose part of his harvest. Dr Hermawan and his team’s research aims to change that with a small, affordable device that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify diseases on the spot.
Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) is a type of AI which works like a trained eye to spot patterns in leaf images. It uses a tiny computer chip called ARM Cortex-M, which is low-cost, portable, and works offline.
With just a simple device, a farmer can capture a photo of an infected leaf, and the AI will instantly suggest what disease it might be and what action to take. This means farmers get quick and accurate advice in the field, helping them act fast to protect their crops and increase their harvests. “Our goal is to empower farmers with practical, accessible tools. Even in the most remote areas, they can respond quickly to problems, without expensive equipment or internet access.” said Dr Hermawan.
More than just a tool to identify plant diseases, this innovation encourages sustainable farming too. It helps farmers use fewer chemicals by providing accurate information, giving farmers the knowledge they need right in the field and thus reducing crop loss. Such practical solutions are especially important in rural areas with limited resources, helping to strengthen food security for the long term.
188体育网址_188体育在线-【唯一授权网站】@er
Associate Professor Dr Hermawan Nugroho
School/Faculty
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering
188体育网址_188体育在线-【唯一授权网站】@ Focus
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Food Security, Rise Disease, Malaysia Agriculture
Year
2024
This research marks a meaningful step toward a more resilient and inclusive future for agriculture, where every farmer, regardless of location or resources, can access smart tools to protect their crops and improve their livelihoods. By making advanced technology simple and affordable, this research supports sustainable farming practices and stronger food security. Ultimately, it helps pave the way for a healthier, more self-sufficient Malaysia.