UNIMAS STUDY TO DEVELOP HYBRID RICE SEEDS FOR SARAWAK

SIBU, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Sarawak has tasked Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) with conducting a study on a hybrid rice seed mixture developed by the university, alongside hybrid seeds from China.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed hope that the study would lead to the development of high-quality rice seeds, boosting local production and eliminating the need for rice imports by 2030.

“Onemas Agriculture Sdn Bhd has already begun using rice seed technology from China,” he told reporters, adding that the padi cultivated using these seeds can be harvested just three months after planting.

He said this following the hybrid rice harvesting ceremony and the official opening of the Onemas Agriculture Sdn Bhd Rice Mill in Sungai Padi, Bintangor near here today.

Abang Johari added that the study would focus on ensuring the hybrid padi is suitable for Sarawak’s unique agricultural conditions.

He said the government has identified Sungai Padi as an area with ideal soil conditions for establishing a rice production valley in Sarawak.

To encourage more participation from farmers, including smallholders, the government will assist with the construction of irrigation systems.

With new rice cultivation techniques, the yield can reach up to nine tonnes per hectare - nine times higher than traditional methods.

“We aim to produce 240,000 tonnes of rice in the valleys of Lawas, Limbang, Kuching, and here.

“This will reduce our reliance on imported rice,” he said, adding  that  Sarawak could potentially export surplus rice in the future and create downstream products, such as rice flour for making biscuits.

In addition, the Premier revealed plans to supply machinery for rice production to farming associations, allowing small-scale farmers to rent the equipment as needed.

-- BERNAMA