By Dayangku Hidayatul
MIRI, Aug 6: Sarawak has become the first State in Malaysia to successfully produce perennial rice on a large scale, marking a major agricultural breakthrough that could transform rice production in the State.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the achievement demonstrated how innovation, research and technology could reshape the future of agriculture while strengthening food security.
He said the success of the Perennial Rice Pilot Project, undertaken by Borneoland Paddy Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Yunnan University, proved that perennial rice technology could be successfully adapted to Sarawak’s environment.
“Today, we feel that we have made a breakthrough. As far as I know, Malaysia has yet to produce perennial rice on this scale. Sarawak is the first to produce perennial rice.
“You do not need to replant. We are the first, so we become the leader. Even agriculture can be transformed through innovation,” he said during the Harvesting Ceremony of the Perennial Rice Pilot Project at SWRCH SK Kuala Baram here today, which was broadcast live via Ukas Channel.
Perennial rice refers to long-lived rice varieties that are capable of regrowing season after season without requiring reseeding, reducing the need for repeated planting and potentially lowering production costs for farmers.
Abang Johari said he was initially sceptical when the concept was first introduced by Borneoland Paddy Sdn Bhd managing director Dato Hii King Chiong but agreed to allow the pilot project to proceed.
“To be honest, when Dato Hii first explained this idea to me, I was sceptical. Although you tried to convince me, I asked, ‘Betul kah tidak?’ (Is it true or not?). But we tried. Today, we have seen the results with our own eyes. It truly works,” he said.
He said the breakthrough was the outcome of nearly two decades of research and collaboration with Yunnan University, adding that Sarawak’s soil and climate conditions were suitable for expanding perennial rice cultivation.
Following the success of the pilot project, the Sarawak Government will continue supporting research and the expansion of perennial rice technology through the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development and the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA).
Several areas have been identified for future perennial rice cultivation, including the Limbang-Lawas Valley, Gedong, Lingga, Daro and Jemoreng.
Abang Johari said the initiative could become a key component of Sarawak’s smart agriculture agenda by increasing productivity while reducing dependence on conventional planting methods.
He added that modern harvesting machinery could also be adapted to the appropriate cutting height to allow perennial rice production to be carried out more efficiently.
Sharing his experience cooking a sample of the rice provided by Hii, the Premier said the grain had lower starch content and a texture comparable to basmati rice.
“I can feel that the rice does not contain too much starch. It is like basmati rice, and that is good for health,” he said.
Abang Johari congratulated Borneoland Paddy Sdn Bhd and Yunnan University on the achievement, expressing hope that perennial rice would become a major milestone in Sarawak’s agricultural transformation and rice production. — DayakDaily
