Sarawak Invests 1 Billion in Rice Infrastructure Development to Enhance Self-Sufficiency Level

(Kuching, 19th) The Sarawak Rice Infrastructure Development Plan has invested a total of 1 billion ringgit to enhance self-sufficiency levels.

Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi stated that the Sarawak government is committed to modernizing rice cultivation through infrastructure development to prevent deterioration in rice self-sufficiency.

He mentioned that under the plan, approximately 14,000 hectares of land have been identified in Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Kapit, Mukah, Bintulu, Miri, and Limbang.

“These areas will be developed until they reach a third-tier infrastructure capable of fully realizing the potential of agricultural mechanization, achieving five growth cycles within two years.”

He said that to support the development of the rice industry, the Sarawak Irrigation and Drainage Department established a dedicated section on September 2nd this year, known as the Rice Infrastructure Development Division, responsible for planning, implementing, and managing the rice infrastructure development plan.

He further explained during his departmental summary at the Sarawak Council today that cultivating hybrid rice is a strategy for Sarawak to increase rice yield as its potential output is 15% to 25% higher than inbred varieties.

“Therefore, my department will continue to support and promote any private sector interested in participating and investing in mixed variety planting in Sarawak.”

He added that it was reported that the yield of the first hybrid rice trial in Maradong exceeded 11 tons per hectare, the second trial began this September, and is expected to be harvested by December this year.

Meanwhile, he acknowledged the importance of collaboration between rice and rice industry participants and the Sarawak government to enhance rice yield and productivity through good agricultural practices, smart agricultural technology, and sustainable farming.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Universiti Putra Malaysia for leading the AgriHub@Gedong project in Samarahan. To strengthen this collaboration, Universiti Putra Malaysia and the Sarawak Ministry of Agriculture have signed an MoU to pave the way for exploring new opportunities in research and development of the Sarawak rice industry.”