KUCHING: Sarawak is seeking assistance from the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) for the supply of rice seeds to boost production, according to Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The state aims to expand its padi planting areas to become one of the country's top rice producers. Sarawak plans to plant 14,000 hectares of padi, projected to produce 240,000 tonnes of rice to achieve self-sufficiency.
"If Mardi can assist Sarawak by providing more seeds, we will be able to expand our padi planting areas. If we can plant an additional 14,000 hectares, we will be able to produce about 500,000 tonnes of rice," he said during the opening of the National Padi Conference on Tuesday (Aug 12) night.
Abang Johari noted that any excess rice produced by Sarawak could be shared with the rest of Malaysia, reducing the nation's dependence on rice imports.
He also mentioned that Sarawak would collaborate with Mardi and other agencies on rice research to improve yield per hectare. A study by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Gedong increased rice yield from 1.2 tonnes per hectare to eight tonnes per hectare using new seeds and methods, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and machinery.
"The study found that rice could be harvested five times in 24 months. I believe this can succeed in other padi planting areas and increase farmers' income," he added.
Boosting padi production is part of Sarawak's post-Covid development strategy to ensure food security for the state and nation.
"We need to develop the agriculture sector with new technologies. Ultimately, we want to become a net food exporter," Abang Johari said.
Earlier, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup highlighted Sarawak's potential in padi production. He said increasing Sarawak's self-sufficiency in rice is crucial for both state needs and national food security.
To support these efforts, the ministry has allocated RM230 million for the padi industry in Sarawak, including developing new rice planting areas in Tanjung Bijat, Stumbin, Gran, Entulang, and Seduku under the 11th Malaysia Plan.
