SRI AMAN, Sept 10: The Sarawak government has allocated RM1 billion for the paddy project in the Stumbin-Bijat area of Sri Aman, marking a long-term strategy to enhance rice productivity in the State.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the initiative is part of the government’s ongoing effort to strengthen the rice and paddy sector through targeted funding and comprehensive infrastructure development.
“Empowering the rice industry is not only vital for increasing Sarawak’s Rice Self-Sufficiency Ratio (SSR), but also plays a key role in ensuring national food security,” he said in a news report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) yesterday.
He stressed that the industry’s success relies not just on government policies but also on farmers’ commitment.
“Infrastructure, technology, and incentives are in place, but the critical factor is our willingness to adopt modern practices and foster collaboration through cooperatives and agricultural clusters,” he added.
Speaking at the Integrated Agriculture Development Area (IADA) Batang Lupar’s Cutomers Day 2025 at the Civic Centre, Dr Rundi highlighted the potential of Sarawak’s 85 palm oil mills to contribute to livestock feed production through kernel crushing plants, further strengthening the State’s food industry value chain.
He also emphasised the importance of continuous education for farmers and the younger generation to ensure the long-term sustainability of agriculture in Sarawak.
“With integrated efforts, systematic paddy cultivation, enhanced farmer knowledge, adoption of modern technology, and upgraded irrigation infrastructure, Sarawak is poised to become a major contributor to the nation’s rice production,” he said.
Dr Rundi added that the project reflects the State government’s commitment to food security and to advancing Sarawak’s position in modern, sustainable agriculture.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben, Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, Sri Aman Division Resident Mahra Salleh, and IADA Batang Lupar director Irene Lah.
“Empowering the rice industry is not only vital for increasing Sarawak’s Rice Self-Sufficiency Ratio (SSR), but also plays a key role in ensuring national food security,” he said in a news report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) yesterday.
He stressed that the industry’s success relies not just on government policies but also on farmers’ commitment.
“Infrastructure, technology, and incentives are in place, but the critical factor is our willingness to adopt modern practices and foster collaboration through cooperatives and agricultural clusters,” he added.
Speaking at the Integrated Agriculture Development Area (IADA) Batang Lupar’s Cutomers Day 2025 at the Civic Centre, Dr Rundi highlighted the potential of Sarawak’s 85 palm oil mills to contribute to livestock feed production through kernel crushing plants, further strengthening the State’s food industry value chain.
He also emphasised the importance of continuous education for farmers and the younger generation to ensure the long-term sustainability of agriculture in Sarawak.
“With integrated efforts, systematic paddy cultivation, enhanced farmer knowledge, adoption of modern technology, and upgraded irrigation infrastructure, Sarawak is poised to become a major contributor to the nation’s rice production,” he said.
Dr Rundi added that the project reflects the State government’s commitment to food security and to advancing Sarawak’s position in modern, sustainable agriculture.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben, Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, Sri Aman Division Resident Mahra Salleh, and IADA Batang Lupar director Irene Lah.