Sarawak has identified 7,000 hectares of land for rice crops

BINTULU, Sept. 28: The Sarawak Government has identified nearly 7,000 hectares of land to be developed as rice crop areas to strengthen the state and national food security.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the effort was part of Sarawak's move to increase its own rice production and reduce dependence on external supplies.

According to him, as many as 4,000 hectares of land have been cleared under Section 7, while an additional 2,299 hectares of government land has also been identified for rice crops.

"That means about 7,000 hectares have been identified and cultivated. We can grow water, we must grow rice and we must use modern methodology", he said.

He said this during his speech at the inauguration of Sarawak Agrofest 2026 at Bintulu Old Airport, here today.

In addition to Abang Johari, Sarawak is also focusing on the use of modern technologies including hybrid rice varieties to increase production.

He said, cooperation with higher education institutions including Yunnan University was also implemented to explore the technology of cultivation of varieties of (perennial) rice.

According to him, the approach has the potential to increase land productivity and entrepreneurial income through more recurring yields.

Meanwhile, he said the Government of Sarawak has set aside RM1 billion for development of agriculture sector as part of efforts to strengthen the state's food industry.

"God willing, the Sarawak government will inject this agricultural development. A billion we have set aside for agriculture", he said.

He said that the allocation would support efforts to transform the agricultural sector through the use of technology, science and modern approaches to enhance yields and economic value of the sector.

He explained that the efforts also strengthened rice production as climate change challenges could affect global food production. - TVS