KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is looking at developing 2,000ha of idle land under a mini rice estate approach to increase the rice self-sufficiency level (SSL).
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the initiative aims to cultivate idle lands across the state.
He said the plan was discussed during an engagement session with various state and federal agricultural agencies.
The session involved Federal Economy Ministry Agriculture Division director Datuk Zul Hadi Ahmad and other agricultural agencies.
"During the session, we discussed developing about 2,000 more hectares of idle land through the mini estate approach," he said on Tuesday (March 10).
Jamawi was met by the media during a visit to the Timbang Menggaris Rice Seed Production Centre in Kota Belud, about 80km from here.
He explained that under the mini estate approach, the development is expected to be financed by the Federal Government through the Economy Ministry.
"With these mini estates, God willing, we will be able to develop more idle lands.
"What is most important is that our farmers will gain yields and be able to cultivate their lands, which have long been left idle without planting and without income," he said.
He added that the state government will continue to cooperate with the Federal Government to develop the rice industry.
"We will strive to do the best for the people of Sabah and we will continue to strengthen cooperation in developing the rice industry," he said.
