KUCHING: The research lab for Biris paddy in Simunjan is expected to increase crop produce as well as market its product locally once it is completed in the next three months, said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Nancy, who is also Batang Sadong MP, said the state government has continued to offer assistance for paddy farming areas including in Lubok Punggor and Lubok Buntin.
“The research lab for Biris paddy in Simunjan which is proposed is beneficial and necessary. We have been buying the farmers’ crops to help and encourage more farmers to continue farming.
“Previously, paddy farming in this area has been slow due to poor conditions of the infrastructure,” she told the media after officiating at the opening ceremony of the 23rd meeting of the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Culture and the 11th Meeting of ASEAN Plus Three Cultural Cooperation here today.
However, she said the government through the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) together with the help of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) would find a solution to solve the problem.
She added further initiatives would be made to help improve the facilities to avoid water retention in the affected area.
“The water must be clean, this will help produce better paddy crops, just like the Bario rice,” she said.
