SRI AMAN: The Sarawak government has allocated RM1 billion to implement the paddy project in the Stumbin-Bijat area here as a long-term measure to boost rice productivity in the state.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the paddy and rice industry through funding and more comprehensive infrastructure development.
He added that empowering the paddy industry is not only crucial to increasing the state’s Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) in rice, but also ensuring the nation’s overall food security.
“The success of the paddy and rice industry does not depend solely on government policies, but also on the commitment of farmers.
“Infrastructure, technology, and incentives have been provided, but what matters most is our willingness to shift from traditional methods to modern practices, and to embrace cooperation through cooperatives or agricultural clusters,” he said during the IADA Batang Lupar 2025 Customer Day at the Sri Aman Civic Centre recently.
Dr Rundi added that the 85 palm oil mills operating in Sarawak also have the potential to contribute to livestock feed production through kernel crushing plants, thereby strengthening the state’s overall food industry chain.
At the same time, he stressed that agricultural transformation in Sarawak must also be grounded in continuous education for farmers and the younger generation, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
“With integrated efforts, systematic paddy cultivation management, improved farmers’ knowledge, the use of modern technology, and upgraded irrigation infrastructure, I am confident Sarawak can become a major contributor to national paddy and rice production,” he said.
He added that this move reaffirms the Sarawak government’s commitment to ensuring food security for the people, while positioning the state as a leader in modern and sustainable agriculture.
