Technology, Innovation, and Agricultural Development: A Case of Rice Cultivation in Kelantan, Malaysia

This study explores the adoption of innovative technologies for sustainable agriculture among paddy farmers in Kelantan. Drawing on a survey of 45 farmers, the research findings reveal that attitudes and subjective norms significantly influence technology adoption, while perceived behavioral control does not. Farmers who perceive technology and innovation as advantageous and who feel social pressure to utilize them are more likely to adopt these technologies. However, the high cost of technology and insufficient skills for its use pose significant barriers to adoption. The study underscores the critical role of technology and innovation in paddy farming for enhancing productivity and achieving national food security policy goals. It highlights the need for policymakers and agricultural extension agents to develop programs that cultivate positive attitudes towards technology and innovation and address social norms that hinder their adoption. Additionally, the findings suggest that financial support and training programs could mitigate the barriers related to cost and skill deficiencies. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creating an enabling environment for technology adoption through supportive policies, capacity-building initiatives, and community engagement. By fostering a culture that values innovation and equipping farmers with the necessary skills and resources, sustainable agricultural practices can be promoted. The study also recommends the application of the Task-Technology Fit (TTF) model in future research to better understand the alignment between technology and the specific tasks of farmers. This approach could provide deeper insights into the practical requirements and challenges faced by farmers, thereby facilitating more effective technology adoption strategies.