Focus on food security; hybrid rice seeds promising

THE Sarawak government will set aside RM22.65 million under the 2024 State Budget to step up measures to enhance food security.
 
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said a sum of RM1.15 million will be allocated next year to continue the rehabilitation and upgrading of the paddy planting drainage and irrigation infrastructures at Tanjung Purun Irrigation Scheme, Lundu.
 
He added that another RM1.5 million has been approved for Kampung Mujat, Serian, while RM3 million will be allocated to continue the development of drainage and irrigation infrastructure at Lubok Punggor, Gedong.
 
In addition, a sum of RM2 million will be allocated in 2024 to develop drainage and irrigation infrastructure at Selepong Panggil, Sri Aman Division, for paddy cultivation.
 
“Sarawak is targeting producing 240,000 metric tonnes of rice a year with the use of hybrid rice seeds from Vietnam.
 
“This promising hybrid will be planted in Lubok Punggor in Gedong, Tanjung Bijat in Sri Aman, Spaoh in Betong, and Tanjung Purun in Lundu.
 
“Using the hybrid seeds would encourage paddy farmers to shift their method of cultivation; not only can it increase the input intensity but also its growth productivity rate.
 
“Our farmers will be able to produce rice in three seasons per year by using these hybrid seeds,” he said when tabling the Supply Bill on the first day of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Monday (Nov 20).
 
To this end, he appealed to the federal government to provide greater allocation for the construction and upgrading of drainage and irrigation infrastructure in these paddy planting areas.
 
Additionally, Abang Johari, who also serves as Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister, assured that the state government is actively increasing the production of cattle and buffalo.
 
This is to address the low self-sufficiency level (SSL) of beef in Sarawak through the implementation of a cattle breeding programme.
 
“To achieve this, the government will allocate RM15 million in 2024 to acquire quality cattle breeder stock.
 
“Meanwhile, under the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan, a sum of RM2 million has been proposed to develop the Ruminant Biotechnology Centre at Sungai Pinang, Simunjan.
 
“This initiative is expected to contribute to achieving the Sarawak beef self-sufficiency level (SSL) target of 25 per cent by 2030,” he added.