By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 20: Only 11 per cent of Sarawak’s 9,900 hectares under existing paddy schemes is actively cultivated, while RM2.5 billion is needed to rehabilitate the infrastructure.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the schemes managed by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) could support the State’s target of achieving 60 per cent rice self-sufficiency by 2030.
He identified deteriorating infrastructure as a major obstacle, saying RM60 million was needed annually for maintenance to restore the schemes and expand cultivated areas.
“Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, 23 infrastructure projects covering approximately 2,997 hectares have been approved at a combined development cost of RM136.9 million.
“Of this amount, the Sarawak government is funding 21 projects worth RM122.9 million, while the federal government is contributing RM14 million for two projects,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) complex today.
Sarawak has also identified 48 potential areas spanning approximately 14,000 hectares for large-scale paddy cultivation.
Dr Rundi said 10 projects covering 3,460 hectares were at various implementation stages, with completion expected in phases from 2027.
Infrastructure works for the Tanjung Purun and Lubok Punggor projects are expected to be completed in 2027, paving the way for planting.
Seven projects covering 2,000 hectares are located on State land, with a development cost of RM1 billion. The remaining three cover 1,460 hectares of native customary rights (NCR) land and cost RM88 million, funded by the federal and State governments.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) Sarawak is evaluating 10 new rice varieties at Skuduk–Chupak and Batang Lupar.
Trials with Advansia are assessing salinity-tolerant varieties and the potential of N25 liquid fertiliser to improve hill paddy productivity.
“Hybrid rice trials in Debak, Sarikei and Tanjung Purun, Lundu, have recorded yields of between eight and 12 metric tonnes per hectare, with potential for further improvement.
“The varieties have also received positive feedback on their quality and taste, while the companies involved are progressing towards commercialisation, including large-scale cultivation and seed production,” Dr Rundi said.
Sarawak is also testing perennial paddy and ratoon cropping, which allow successive harvests without replanting between cycles, potentially reducing labour and production costs.
The first harvest under a trial by Borneoland Paddy Sdn Bhd and Yunnan University took place in Kuala Baram, Miri, on Aug 6, 2026, with a second harvest expected in November. Further trials are planned in Jemoreng and Daro in Mukah, and Lubok Punggor in Samarahan. —DayakDaily
