By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 21: KUCHING, May 21: Sarawak is studying a new rice production method in Miri that does not require replanting of paddy seeds, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said the study is currently being undertaken by the private sector using its own funding, while the State government is awaiting the outcome to determine the effectiveness of the rice production method.
“We want to see first whether this research succeeds or not because this paddy uses perennial seeds, where once planted, it does not need to be replanted and will continue producing from the original seed.
“Whether it works or not, we will give it a try,” he said, according to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), when speaking at the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbenchers Night at a leading hotel last night.
Abang Johari said the perennial rice seeds were developed by Yunnan University, of which he had the opportunity to meet the professor linked to the development of new rice seed varieties in the Philippines.
He said the success of the study could help increase rice production, which would be crucial for Sarawak’s future food security preparations.
In a related development, the Premier also expressed appreciation to all State assemblymen for unanimously approving the Sarawak Rice and Paddy Board Bill, describing it as important for strengthening food security in the State.
He said the move was vital in reducing dependence on imported rice from other countries.
“Thailand is now reducing its rice exports and we are depending on Cambodia, but Cambodia is using traditional farming methods which are now affected by climate issues, indirectly affecting rice production,” he explained.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, and chief political secretary to the Sarawak Premier Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, among other dignitaries.
