By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, July 3: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus (Swinburne Sarawak) will set up a satellite campus in Gedong to conduct research on paddy cultivation, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the university will be working with their main campus in Melbourne, Australia where they will employ new technology in terms of food production.
“Japan has three seasons of rice production. Perhaps (with the satellite campus), Sarawak can have two seasons a year based on technology and other inputs,” he said when speaking at the launch of Kenyalang Biris Rice and Carus Creamy White Pepper, Sarawak Agrofest 2022 and Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival 2022 held at Lalaport Bukit Bintang City Center, Kuala Lumpur today.
He also revealed that the State government’s approach to paddy cultivation is part of its efforts to develop the agriculture sector in the State as well as to increase food security so as Sarawak will become a net food exporter in the long run.
Apart from the Biris rice, Sarawak also has Bario rice which is grown in the Bario region in the Kelabit Highlands.
At the same time, Abang Johari disclosed the State government will procure two cargo planes to export agricultural products to Singapore.
“(With the cargo planes), through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur or wherever it is, you can send out your products directly to the market because sometimes, food is perishable. Thus, time is very important and for that, the Sarawak government is investing in terms of logistics.
“Actually, we have our own State-owned airline company under Hornbill Skyways. They are now procuring or leasing cargo planes to facilitate the export of agricultural produce to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or any destination that is market-oriented,” he added.
Also present were Federal Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri; and Sarawak Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. — DayakDaily
