Sarawak Strengthens Food Security, RM1 Billion for Paddy Infrastructure
MIRI: Sarawak is intensifying efforts to bolster food security by focusing on increasing paddy production and developing value-added food industries.
Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that the rice Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL), which currently stands at approximately 21% compared to 46% previously, requires immediate and integrated intervention.
According to him, the state government has allocated RM1 billion for the development of paddy cultivation infrastructure to increase production capacity and reduce dependence on imports.
“This decline in SSL stems from a shift toward more profitable commodities like oil palm; therefore, a new and more strategic approach must be implemented,” he said.
He spoke during a sharing session with the staff of the Miri Division Agriculture Office on Saturday.
Efforts to diversify food sources are being driven by the development of new areas, including targets of 20,000 hectares for pineapple cultivation and 20,000 hectares for coconuts to strengthen the supply chain and generate added economic value.
The agriculture sector must transition toward a modern, productive, and market-oriented model, with the Department of Agriculture Sarawak leading the way in guiding rural communities.
To note, over 2,000 department personnel have been deployed to ensure government policies are effectively executed at the grassroots level.
He emphasised that the success of countries like Thailand and Vietnam should serve as benchmarks in driving a more competitive agricultural sector.
These ongoing efforts reflect the state government's commitment to strengthening sustainable food security and establishing the agricultural sector as a new driver of Sarawak's economy. — UKASnews
