LCDA passed 143 acres for hybrid rice

KUCHING, 13 Oct: The Government of Sarawak through the Land Development and Protection Board (LCDA) approved the privatisation of 143 hectares of land in Meradong for development of hybrid rice crops through cooperation with Onemas Agriculture Sdn Bhd for a period of 20 years.

Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the initiative is a strategic step to increase local rice production as well as strengthen Sarawak's food security.

He said the effort is important given that Sarawak's rice Self-Sustainability Level (SSL) is currently only 21 per cent, while the state aims to increase it to at least 60 per cent by 2030.

"So, we would like to thank both parties for their efforts to increase rice yields in Sarawak which I consider very critical at this time.

"One of the things we're doing is trying to get the best rice varieties that can be cultivated to increase production", he said.

He said this at a press conference after the Council Signed Sub-Taxation Memorandum between LCDA Agri Business Sdn Bhd and Onemas Agriculture Sdn Bhd on Aras 3, Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Complex, today.

According to Rundi, initial trials showed that hybrid rice has the potential to produce up to 11.08 metric tons per hectare, compared with about 1.5 metric tons per hectare using traditional cultivation methods.

He said that the development of new varieties like Perennial Rice, which is still in the pioneering phase of the project, also has the potential to increase production as the crop can grow back after several harvests.

However, he said that the effectiveness of this variety still needs further research before expanding its use.

"Research and implementation of new technologies is essential to optimise the proper use of land and water resources, as well as attracting more investment in the state rice industry", he said.

In an effort to expand the rice growing area, the government identified about 14,000 hectares of potential area, with initial development of 2,000 hectares planned through public-private partnership using design, construction, control and transfer (DBOT) models.

According to Rundi, the government will focus on providing agricultural infrastructure, while entrepreneurs are responsible for managing planting operations to increase productivity and reduce dependence on imported rice.

"If there is no rice to buy, what will we eat? That is why we need to seriously develop the rice industry and use new technologies to ensure better food security in the future", he explained.

He said the initiative is expected to help achieve Sarawak's rice SSL target by 2030, as well as reduce dependence on rice supplies from outside and strengthen state food security.