By Karen Bong
SARIKEI, Aug 7: Delegations from Kedah, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Brunei and Indonesia have expressed interest in visiting Sarawak to observe the State’s successful large-scale cultivation of perennial rice in Kuala Baram.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the breakthrough demonstrated how technology and innovation could strengthen Sarawak’s food security and agricultural productivity.
“Today, I received messages that those from Kedah, UPM, Brunei and Indonesia want to visit Sarawak to see our paddy cultivation. I have told the LCDA (Land Custody and Development Authority) to open it up for them to visit,” he said when speaking during a dinner gathering with community leaders at Sarikei Central Hall tonight, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.
Abang Johari said Sarawak had been collaborating with Yunnan University in China to develop new rice cultivation technologies amid growing concerns over global food security caused by climate change and extreme weather events.
He noted that floods in countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan, as well as disruptions to rice production in Thailand and elsewhere in the region, highlighted the importance of increasing local rice production.
“We have to produce more rice ourselves because if other countries cannot produce rice, where are we going to get our rice supply?” he said.
The Premier said Sarawak had successfully introduced perennial rice, a variety capable of regrowing after harvest without the need for replanting.
According to him, the rice can continue producing harvests for up to four years, significantly reducing labour requirements and production costs.
“This new breed grows again after harvesting without the need for replanting. It can produce rice for four years,” he said.
He added that the technology had already proven successful in Kuala Baram, where one hectare could potentially produce up to 14 tonnes over two seasons annually, with the possibility of four harvests a year under suitable conditions.
Abang Johari also shared his own experience in Gedong, where trials using improved rice varieties had achieved yields of eight tonnes per hectare compared with traditional yields of around 1.3 tonnes per hectare.
He said Sarawak currently produces only about 21 per cent of its rice requirements locally, with the remainder imported from overseas.
As such, Sarawak is pursuing agricultural innovation aggressively to improve self-sufficiency and ensure food security for future generations.
“We are fortunate to have access to new technology through collaboration with Yunnan University. Technology is the key to ensuring our food security,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities and Sarikei MP Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii, Speaker of Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and community leaders were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
