Annum Revolutinises Agriculture with Smart Farming Initiative, In Line with IR 4.0 Adoption

• Annum launches its Smart Farming Business in collaboration with Serada Agrotech and Jabatan Pertanian Negeri Terengganu, aligning with their commitment to adopt IR 4.0.

• The Smart Farming initiative incorporates advanced technologies for real-time monitoring, optimising growing conditions, reducing labour, improving operational efficiency, minimising environmental impact, and enhancing crop quality and yields.

• Annum Industries will collaborate with technology provider ARB IOT Group Limited in a Smart IoT solution for advanced farming.

• Annum aims to significantly expand the project, with plans to establish 200 greenhouses in the near future.

TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA,  6th JUNE 2023 – Bursa Malaysia Main-Market listed company, Annum Berhad ("Annum" or "Group") is proud to announce the launch of its new Smart Farming business under its wholly-owned subsidiary Annum Industries Sdn Bhd ("Annum Industries").

This venture comes as part of the Group's commitment towards promoting the adoption of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 ("IR 4.0") in the agriculture sector and is in strategic collaboration with Serada Agrotech ("Serada"), Jabatan Pertanian Negeri Terengganu ("JPNT"), working alongside the state authorities in Terengganu.

The smart farming initiative was officially launched by YB Dr. Azman Bin Ibrahim, Terengganu's Exco Pertanian, at Taman Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan (TKPM) Felda Selasih Kampung TokDor.

From left:

1. Dato' Sri Larry Liew Kok Leong (拿督斯里刘国良) - Representation from ARB Berhad

2. YB Dr. Azman Bin Ibrahim - Terengganu's Exco Pertanian

3. Tan Sri Abdullah Bin Haji Taib - Owner of Serada Agrotech Sdn Bhd

In a statement, Annum said, “We are committed to integrating technology and innovation into smart farming activities which could optimise resources, reduce environmental impact and increase crop yields through digitalising farming activities by using cutting-edge technologies. We also aim to drive advancement in the agriculture sector by leveraging the potential of IR 4.0 technologies."

Annum aims to significantly expand the project, with plans to establish 200 greenhouses soon to be one of the key agricultural players in Malaysia.

The smart farming initiative will see Annum Industries partner with technology provider ARB IOT Group Limited in Smart IoT solution to support advanced farming practices.

"Our collaboration with ARB IOT Group Limited exemplifies our vision for the future of farming. Together, we aim to transform agriculture in Malaysia using Internet of Things (IoT) to support sustainable and efficient farming," the Company added.

The Smart Farming Initiative incorporates real-time monitoring of soil nutrients, pH, moisture, and environmental conditions, allowing for optimal crop growth and improved yields. Automated processes such as watering and fertilisation minimise labour requirements and reduce overuse of resources, enhancing operational efficiency. Unusual chemicals and toxicity in the soil are detected, further ensuring crop health and safety.

Moreover, smart farming minimises labour requirements, as most activities, such as watering and fertilisation, are automated. This increases operational efficiency and reduces overwatering and over-fertilisation. The system also can detect unusual chemicals and toxicity in the soil that could otherwise go unnoticed, further ensuring the health and safety of crops.

"The potential of smart farming is immense. With these systems in place, we can revolutionise the way we grow our food, creating a more sustainable and resilient agriculture sector for the future." the Company said.

Looking at the bigger picture, Annum's Smart Farming initiative aligns with the growing trend in Malaysia's fruit and vegetable farming industry.

With the backing of the state authorities in Terengganu, Annum is optimistic that the integration of IR 4.0 technologies, like Smart Farming, will significantly contribute to the sustainable growth of the agriculture sector in Malaysia, enhancing productivity, efficiency and the overall quality of produce.

This content is provided by Aegis Communication Sdn. Bhd.