By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 17: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is exploring the cultivation of perennial rice in Daro and Matu, following promising results from a pilot project in Kuala Baram, Miri.
He said the new rice variety, which can regrow and produce harvests for up to five years after a single planting, could potentially transform paddy cultivation in Sarawak.
“This is a new technology developed through our collaboration with a university in Yunnan, China.
“Once you plant the rice, after it is harvested, it will continue producing again. There is no need to replant,” Abang Johari said during a press conference after visiting the Sapphire model house under the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) Village Expansion Scheme (SPK) at Kampung Lemang Pek, Kampung Tengah and Kampung Pantray Phase 1 in Daro today. The audio recording of the press conference was later shared with DayakDaily.
He explained that unlike conventional paddy cultivation which requires farmers to replant after every harvest, perennial rice can continue growing from the same plant.
“It is like bamboo. You plant bamboo once and it grows by itself. This rice is similar. After harvesting, it will grow again,” he added.
Abang Johari said scientists had identified Matu and Daro as suitable areas for the cultivation of perennial rice due to their soil conditions, adding that he intended to conduct trials in the area.
“This is what I want to try planting here. After I go to Kuala Baram, I will take the seeds and we will produce them in Sarawak for our own use. I want to try in Daro and Matu,” he said.
The Premier is scheduled to attend the first harvest of the pilot perennial rice project at Kuala Baram, Miri on Aug 6, 2026.
Abang Johari said the perennial rice grown in Kuala Baram had already produced harvests and seeds, which would allow Sarawak to expand trials to other suitable locations.
He also shared his experience tasting the rice, describing it as similar to basmati rice and containing less starch, making it potentially beneficial for people managing diabetes.
“I have eaten the rice. It is like basmati, with less starch. Meaning, for people with diabetes, this rice is good,” he said.
He added that the rice was also easier to cook as it required an equal ratio of rice to water.
“Normally when cooking rice, if there is less water, it becomes hard. If there is too much, it becomes porridge. This one is one-to-one,” he said. — DayakDaily
