It’s technology and modern farming that counts, says Premier

KUCHING: Sarawak must make better use of its vast land through technology and modern farm management to strengthen food production, particularly in the paddy sector.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said agricultural productivity does not necessarily depend on the amount of land available.

He cited the Netherlands and Taiwan as examples of how land can be used productively for agriculture.

“The land is there, but we must know how to manage the land.

“The Netherlands, the Dutch, their country is not big, but agriculture is a main part of its economic activities, besides, of course, manufacturing.

“As you know, the Netherlands is a top exporter of flowers and, at the same time, other components of food. The Netherlands and Sarawak are almost the same size,” he said.

He said this when officiating at the 2nd Sarawak Rice Conference (SARICON II) 2026 here Tuesday (Oct 6).

Abang Johari said Taiwan similarly has limited land but is able to sustain paddy production through effective use of available areas.

He said improving productivity has become increasingly important as climate change creates greater uncertainty over global food production and supply.

He said extreme weather events affecting rice-producing countries could affect imports on which Malaysia, including Sarawak, currently depends.

“Rice is our staple food, so we have to increase our own food production. And the problem here is this: number one is infrastructure, including farm design.

“Number two is the seedling; we have to get and seek the right type of seed. Number three is technology, and number four is our human resource,” he added.

Abang Johari said the state is also moving towards a combination of private-sector investment and smallholder participation to achieve commercial-scale rice production.

He said private investment is needed given the high cost of developing infrastructure and acquiring the technology required for modern farming.

He cited Kuala Rajang, where a company is working with farmers on irrigated paddy cultivation and achieving yields of about six metric tonnes per hectare.

“Part of it is given to the farmers, and the rest is sold on the open market. It has been successful in Kuala Rajang.

“Because of that success, the private sector is willing to come in to invest in paddy production,” he said.

Abang Johari said conventional farming methods alone would no longer be sufficient if Sarawak is to substantially raise paddy yields while improving farmers’ incomes.

“We cannot rely on conventional methods anymore because we have to increase the yield per hectare and, at the same time, increase the income of our farmers,” he said.