The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) was invited to deliver a presentation titled “Research, Development, Innovation, Commercialisation & Economy (RDICE) in Agriculture Perspective” to MARDI Senior Staff Association (MASSA) at their 2023 Annual General Meeting on 14 March 2023.
The presentation was delivered by ASM CEO Puan Hazami, who highlighted a roadmap that celebrates demand-driven innovation in developing market-driven delivery systems.
It is hoped that the sharing session will provide a better understanding to MARDI in enhancing demand-driven research and development and market-driven delivery system for high-tech and high-value outcomes, specifically in the agriculture industry.
RDICE stands for Research, Development, Innovation, Commercialisation & Economy, which can be applied to improve agriculture by promoting the development and adoption of new technologies, practices, and products.
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Here are some ways RDICE can be applied to agriculture:
Research: Agriculture research involves studying new technologies, farming practices, and innovative approaches to improve crop yields, increase soil fertility, and reduce water usage. Research also helps develop new crop varieties that are more pest- and disease-resistant and can grow in adverse environmental conditions.
Development: Agricultural development involves designing and improving various products and processes related to farming, such as irrigation systems, fertiliser application methods, and mechanised tools. For example, developing precision farming techniques can help farmers optimise crop yields while minimising input costs.
Innovation: Agricultural innovation can involve introducing new technologies or practices, such as using drones for crop monitoring or implementing sustainable farming practices that can reduce environmental impact. Innovation can also involve developing new products derived from agricultural produce, such as biofuels, bioplastics, and nutraceuticals.
Commercialisation: Agricultural commercialisation involves bringing new products and services to market, including marketing, branding, and sales strategies. For instance, farmers can commercialise their products by developing niche products, such as organic or locally grown produce, or by creating value-added products like jams, jellies, and pickles.
Economy: Agriculture is a significant contributor to the global economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the overall GDP of many countries. RDICE in agriculture can lead to increased productivity, improved quality of products, and reduced input costs, which can contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector and the overall economy.
