Modern agricultural practices among paddy farmers in IADA KETARA, Terengganu and IADA Kemasin Semerak, Kelantan

Paddy industry is one of the main industries that is focused on the National Plan aimed at achieving production levels of 2.91 million metric tonnes by 2020. The industry’s ability to achieve this targeted production level is dependent on the capacity of farmers to produce sufficient production towards 2020. However, there is a public perception that traditional farming is still being practiced, resulting in a low level of rice production. Therefore, this study was carried out to examine the characteristics of modern agriculture of local paddy farmers according to the theory by Alex Inkeles. Two characteristics of modern society, namely, time management and technology, are discussed. This study was conducted using a quantitative approach by surveying farmers at IADA KETARA and IADA Kemasin Semerak. The findings showed that there is a systematic time management for activities such as managing rice fields and leisure time among farmers in both granaries. In addition, appreciation for new knowledge is also evidenced by the application of technologies in accordance with the cultivation activities undertaken to fulfil all the necessary requirements effectively. The two granary areas showed that there was a difference in the characteristic levels of modernity among the farmers based on farmers’ attitude in time management and technology adoption in farming. The achievements of the characteristics of modern farmers in these two granary areas proved the perception that rice farmers are still at the traditional/conventional level to be less accurate. Farmers have demonstrated that there are two characteristics of modernity in their working culture. Therefore, these will contribute to achieving the country’ goal to produce enough paddy by 2020.