KUCHING, Feb 3: The Biris paddy plantation project in Lubok Punggor could yield a return of RM6,400 monthly for farmers, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari said the State’s pilot project research model with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and the local community has shown positive outcomes by producing crops that can be sold five times in 24 months.
According to him, by utilising technology, the project has shown an increase of 60 per cent in income from what the farmers earn currently, categorising them into the middle-income group and out of the poverty level.
“If one hectare can produce a return of RM6,400, two hectares will produce RM12,000, including them in the high-income group. This means we can produce an agricultural policy that will give a big return,” he told a press conference held at Gedong Rest House today.
He said based on calculations, one yield of of Biris rice can produce about 6,000 tonnes per hectare, and the market price is at RM140 per kilogram.
He added that the paddy plantation project model in Lubok Punggor will also be extended to Banting, Sri Aman, Limbang and other rural areas throughout the State.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has identified 100 hectares in Gedong for an algae production plant.
He said Japan’s Chitose Group will develop another algae production plant for food, the pharmaceutical industry, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
“There will also be a laboratory because Japan is conducting research here for the world market, and Gedong has been chosen because of its suitable soil for algae plantation,” he said. — DayakDaily
