Sarawak Accelerates Modern Agriculture Transformation, Targets 60 Per Cent Rice SSL By 2030
LUNDU: Sarawak is intensifying efforts to transform the agricultural sector through the use of modern technology and mechanization as a key strategy to increase the state’s rice self-sufficiency level (SSL) to at least 60 per cent by 2030.
Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, emphasised that smart farming approaches, including the use of machinery, drones, and integrated technology systems must be intensified to boost productivity and rice production efficiency.
According to him, Sarawak’s rice SSL currently stands at around 21 per cent and requires a significant shift through the implementation of modern methods and the expansion of clustered farming areas.
“To achieve this target, we must transition from traditional methods to more efficient, large-scale modern agriculture, which includes leveraging digital technology in crop management,” he said.
At the same time, he acknowledged that the sector’s primary challenges involve small-scale land ownership and a lack of youth participation, therefore, approaches such as the development of agroparks and the strengthening of smart farming are seen as capable of attracting interest from the new generation.
The Tanjung Purun Rice Cultivation Project, which covers an area of approximately 140 hectares, has been identified as one of the strategic initiatives with the potential to be developed as a modern commercial rice cultivation area in Sarawak,
The project also utilises modern rice varieties, including the GS-30 hybrid, which is capable of increasing yields and grain quality, thereby contributing to the enhanced productivity of state’s rice sector.
Also present were the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak), Datuk Ts Mustapha Sakmud, Member of Parliament for Puncak Borneo, Datuk Willie Mongin, Beting Maro Assemblyman, Dato Razaili Gapo, and Advisor of the Premier of Sarawak (Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development), Tan Sri William Mawam Ikom. -UKASnews
