BY JACINTHA JOLENE & ALEXANDRA LORNA
BETONG: Sarawak can produce significant amount of rice with the use of new technology, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari said that rice production could be a game changer for Sarawak to further stimulate economic activities.
He said paddy cultivation in Lubok Punggor in Gedong was using new hybrid seeds where paddy could be successfully planted and harvested three times a year.
“The cultivation has the potential to yield about 8,000 to 10,000 tonnes. Say if we take 8 tonnes, if the paddy is harvested three seasons in a year, it will yield 24,000 tonnes, which is a significant leap.
“If we aim for food security, Sarawak can produce rice using new technology,” he told a press conference after officiating at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Special Convention for Betong Zone at Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall, today (Oct 8).
The Premier said Sarawak was also adopting a circular economy approach where waste products would be converted into organic fertilizer.
He said this would provide returns to farmers, which could translate to higher household income.
“If this continues until 2030, we can achieve RM15,000 per household income.
“PBB’s next move, alongside its partners in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), is to increase household income.
“Hence, we urge grassroots leaders to be informed about the state government’s policies for the sake of future development,” he said.
