SS821: REVOLUTIONIZING PADDY FIELD AGRICULTURE: A SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATED IRRIGATION SYSTEM FOR MALAYSIAN FARMS

Mohd Nasiruddin Nordin @ Ghani Universiti Teknologi MARA Kelantan Branch

In Malaysia, where paddy cultivation holds significant agricultural importance, the integration of innovative irrigation systems becomes crucial. In this context, the combination of a solar-generated submersible water pump with a hydroelectric pump emerges as a transformative and sustainable solution for the intricate requirements of rice cultivation. The Malaysian paddy fields benefit from the solar pump's harnessing of renewable energy during sunlit periods, functioning as an eco-friendly powerhouse that efficiently lifts and transports water across the expansive fields. Complementing this, the hydroelectric pump utilizes the natural flow of water, ensuring a consistent water supply even during periods of limited solar energy. This dual-power approach enhances the efficiency of irrigation across the vast expanse of Malaysian paddy fields, addressing the specific challenges faced in the region. By significantly reducing reliance on nonrenewable energy sources, the integrated system promotes environmentally friendly farming practices. Its time-saving attributes, decreased reliance on manual labou, and lower operational costs contribute to the economic viability of rice cultivation in Malaysia. Furthermore, the efficient utilization of water resources leads to increased crop yields, positively impacting food security and the economic prosperity of local communities in the Malaysian agricultural landscape. This integrated system not only offers operational benefits but also leaves a positive environmental footprint. It mitigates greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional energy sources and promotes responsible water management practices. As Malaysia, like many nations, gravitates towards sustainable agriculture, the solar-generated submersible pump combined with hydroelectric power emerges as a commercially viable and forward-thinking approach to paddy field irrigation, aligning with both economic and environmental imperatives in the realm of modern agricul