SRI AMAN, Nov19: The Sarawak government has established the Sarawak Paddy and Rice Board and introduced the Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBOT) development model, enabling large companies to cultivate land on a commercial scale without taking over the ownership rights of local communities.
The move aims to strengthen the management, sustainability, and overall development of Sarawak’s paddy industry.
In a TVS news, Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development (MFICORD), Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said the board will function similarly to Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) at the national level but will be tailored to meet the specific needs of Sarawak’s paddy sector.
“The board is tasked with strengthening regulatory functions, improving coordination, and ensuring the industry remains sustainable, including managing the import and export of high-quality seeds and the production of premium paddy,” he said after attending the Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) Batang Lupar 2025 Farm Day at Block C, Tanjung Bijat today.
Under the DBOT model, Dr Rundi explained that large companies will act as Anchor Companies, while smallholders will cultivate paddy collectively using best practices to ensure more uniform and competitive yields.
“This contract farming approach is expected to improve efficiency and productivity across the sector,” he said.
Dr Rundi, who is also the Kemena assemnblyman, emphasised that the success of the paddy industry relies not only on government policies but also on the continued commitment of smallholders to adopt government assistance and modern farming technology.
He highlighted the Sarawak government’s push for modern technology in paddy cultivation, including drones, fertilisation machinery, and fully mechanised systems, which can potentially increase yields from around 2.5 metric tonnes to between 5.5 and 8 metric tonnes per hectare, depending on conditions and farming practices.
“Significant changes in cultivation methods are also crucial to achieve Sarawak’s annual production target of 450,000 metric tonnes and to raise the Rice Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) to 60 per cent by 2030.
“We want to introduce new approaches in the paddy and rice industry through technology and innovative thinking. Changing how we cultivate paddy is key to ensuring Sarawak’s supply is sufficient,” he said.
Dr Rundi also praised the role of leading companies that promote modern farming methods and high-quality seeds, such as the MR315 variety, which has proven to help smallholders increase their yields. — DayakDaily
