By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 28: Ducks could soon have a new job in Sarawak’s paddy fields — helping farmers keep pests away while providing an extra source of income from their eggs.
The idea, raised by a villager, was highlighted by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as one of the ways farmers could make better use of their paddy fields.
Speaking at the opening of Sarawak Agrofest 2026 in Bintulu today, Abang Johari said ducks could be reared among the paddy to feed on pests, while their eggs could later be processed into salted eggs.
“There was a villager in the Saribas area who heard about our paddy initiative, including perennial rice. He said, ‘Since paddy requires water, can we rear ducks as well?’
“He suggested rearing ducks because they can eat things that could threaten the paddy. I told him, ‘That’s a good idea. You try it.’ So they want to try rearing ducks,” he said in his speech, which was broadcast live by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) across its social media platforms.
Abang Johari said the ducks could help protect the paddy by feeding on pests, while their eggs could later be processed into salted eggs, giving farmers another potential source of income.
“When we give our people room to think, they can come up with ideas and increase their income as we transform our agriculture.
“So we should not take our people for granted. They can do it too, especially when their children graduate from university,” he added.
Abang Johari also highlighted the possibility of combining paddy cultivation with fish farming, where water storage areas within paddy fields could be used to rear fish.
This, he said, could give farmers two sources of income while making better use of the water needed for paddy cultivation.
The Premier said such approaches reflected the need to look at agriculture beyond simply growing crops, with farmers encouraged to explore new ideas and technologies to increase the value generated from their land.
He said Sarawak wanted agriculture to become a commercial industry capable of contributing more significantly to the State’s economy.
“Farmers are not a poor group. They are a group that develops the country’s economy,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak would continue exploring new approaches, technology and innovation to improve agricultural productivity and farmers’ income. — DayakDaily
