By Dayangku Hidayatul
MIRI, Aug 6: Sarawak could become a rice-exporting region like Thailand if its perennial rice project succeeds in boosting production beyond domestic demand, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
With Sarawak currently producing only about 21 per cent of the rice it consumes, Abang Johari said the new perennial rice technology could help the State meet its own demand before exporting surplus rice to other regions.
“Currently, Sarawak produces only about 21 per cent of the rice we consume, while the remainder is imported. With this technology, we may eventually be able to meet our own domestic demand. If production exceeds local consumption, we can even export rice.
“Maybe Sarawak can become another Thailand, exporting rice to the region. And this is all because of technology,” he said when officiating the Harvesting Ceremony of the Perennial Rice Pilot Project at SWRCH SK Kuala Baram here today, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.
Abang Johari said the pilot project, led by Borneoland Paddy Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Yunnan University, has demonstrated that perennial rice can be cultivated on peat soil, creating new possibilities for the development of Sarawak’s extensive peatland areas.
Unlike conventional rice varieties that require replanting after every harvest, perennial rice is able to regenerate from its existing root system, allowing farmers to harvest multiple times from the same crop.
“This is the first time I have heard of perennial rice. Traditionally, farmers have to replant after every harvest. But through research by Yunnan University, we now have a technology that allows the rice to regrow without replanting,” he said.
He said the Sarawak government fully supports the initiative and is exploring the establishment of a dedicated research centre through the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development and Yunnan University.
The proposed centre would serve as a research hub to further develop the technology before it is expanded to other rice-growing areas, including Daro, Jemoreng and other coastal regions.
Abang Johari said the government also plans to integrate digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, into its smart agriculture agenda to monitor climate conditions, soil quality and flood patterns.
He said if perennial rice proves capable of withstanding short-term flooding, flood-prone areas in Sarawak could be transformed into productive rice-growing regions.
Reflecting on his time as Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Abang Johari said Sarawak had long explored ways to maximise the potential of its peatlands, but previous efforts involving crops such as pineapple and rubber faced challenges due to limited returns and a lack of processing technology.
However, he said advances in agricultural research have opened up new opportunities for farmers and investors.
He added that the government is also exploring the production of fertiliser locally using Sarawak’s gas resources, as well as natural fertilisers derived from waste, to support and enhance rice production.
Earlier, Abang Johari harvested the perennial rice crop and congratulated Borneoland Paddy Sdn Bhd and Yunnan University on the successful pilot project, describing it as a breakthrough that could transform rice cultivation in Sarawak. – DayakDaily
