Unimas explores devt of hybrid paddy seeds to boost Sarawak’s rice production, says Premier

SIBU (Jan 16): Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) is currently exploring the development of hybrid paddy seeds by combining seeds from China with local Sarawak varieties.

Speaking to reporters after launching the Onemas Paddy Processing Mill in Sungai Padi, Bintangor today, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg also revealed that Unimas is also conducting a study on the rice planting system.

“A private company Onemas Agriculture Sdn Bhd is now using the seed technology from China and what we are doing now – Unimas will study hybrid seeds between seeds from China and Sarawak.

“The study will be based on the seeds quality and the soil structure and we have identified this area (Sungai Padi) as the place for rice production because of its peat soil,” he said, adding that the state government will assist on the irrigation system.

Besides Sungai Padi, he said these hybrid rice would be produced in Lawas, Limbang and Kuching.

“So, we don’t have to depend on imported rice anymore. We are targeting to produce rice for our own consumption and if we have surplus, we can produce downstream products such as rice flour.

“And then, we can export them,” he said.

Abang Johari also revealed that the state government plans to provide machinery for rice production to farmers associations, which can later be leased out to small-scale farmers who need it.

This, he said, is part of Sarawak’s effort to produce 240,000 tonnes of rice by 2030 to be at least self-sufficient.

-Agency