By DayakDaily Team
DARO, Sept 25: Daro’s Block E, Nangar Besar is being eyed as a potential pilot site for perennial rice research, with an 11.67-hectare plot proposed for a research and development (R&D) initiative.
According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the engagement session provided landowners and stakeholders an opportunity to seek clarification, share their views and discuss the suitability of the proposed site before any further steps are considered.
Daro assemblyman Dr Safiee Ahmad attended the session organised by the Daro Agriculture Department at the Daro District Office yesterday (Sept 24).
The proposed R&D initiative involves collaboration with Borneoland Paddy Sdn Bhd, which has previously participated in research and cultivation projects involving perennial rice varieties in Sarawak.
Perennial rice is among the approaches being explored to increase the State’s rice production.
Unlike conventional rice, the variety used in previous trials has the potential to regrow after harvesting without being replanted, opening up the possibility of repeated production from the same crop.
Previous trials in Kuala Baram have provided an opportunity to explore the potential of perennial rice in Sarawak.
For Daro, the proposed Block E site will first need to be assessed for its suitability, taking into account local conditions and technical considerations.
The engagement session also allowed stakeholders to provide information and views at an early stage, particularly on the proposed site and aspects that may affect its implementation.
The proposal is part of ongoing efforts to identify suitable areas for perennial rice research in Sarawak, alongside other locations being considered for similar initiatives.
Among those present were representatives of Mukah Resident Petrone Benedict Sunggoh; Daro District Officer Shah Hazizul Johari; Sarawak Agriculture Department Agriculture Officer for the Rice and Grains Division Jeremy Kuyah Liang; Mukah Agriculture Officer Haz Atika Hafeez; Mukah Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) Assistant Engineer Abang Rafizan Abang Bushri; Penghulu Jebli Ngok; and Nangar Besar Village Head Sawi Dol. — DayakDaily
