MIRI: Sarawak is planning to establish a dedicated agricultural research centre in collaboration with China’s Yunnan University to accelerate research into perennial rice, and develop new farming technologies suited to the state’s unique landscape.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the proposed centre would serve as a hub for scientific research, allowing experts to further improve perennial rice cultivation while exploring other high-value crops that could thrive on Sarawak’s vast peatlands.
He said the initiative would involve collaboration between the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, and Yunnan University.
“Perhaps LCDA, together with the ministry, can set up a research centre here together with Yunnan University. This centre will carry out all the research, and the outcome of this research can be applied to other places,” he said when officiating at the Harvesting Ceremony of the Perennial Rice Pilot Project in SK Kuala Baram 2 today.
Abang Johari said the successful perennial rice pilot project has demonstrated the value of long-term research, noting that the technology was the result of two decades of scientific work by Yunnan University before being successfully introduced in Sarawak.
He said the proposed research centre would not only continue improving perennial rice cultivation but also transform farms across the state into “living laboratories”, where researchers could collect data, refine cultivation methods, and adapt technologies to suit different geographical conditions.
“Findings from the research can be applied to several areas already identified for future paddy development, including Daro, Jemoreng, Gedong, Lingga and the Limbang-Lawas Valley. This will enable Sarawak to expand rice production using scientific approaches tailored to local conditions,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as a former Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Abang Johari recalled that Sarawak had long struggled to identify productive uses for its extensive peatlands.
“We were trying to find out what we could do with our peatland. We planted pineapple, rubber and other crops, but the results were limited. Now, through technology and collaboration with scientists from Yunnan, we know what we can do with our peatland,” he said.
Looking beyond perennial rice, Abang Johari said the collaboration with Yunnan University could also be expanded to explore other high-value crops, particularly those indigenous to Borneo, including fruits and orchids with commercial potential.
Noting that Yunnan is among the world’s leading flower-producing regions, he said Sarawak could benefit from similar expertise in developing new orchid varieties and other agricultural products for regional and international markets.
Sharing a personal anecdote, the Premier recalled that his late wife, Datuk Amar Puan Sri Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, had a keen interest in orchids and was actively involved in promoting their potential beyond ornamental purposes.
“My late wife knew of an orchid that could be used as a raw material for a drink, just like tea. That’s why they now want my daughter to lead the Sarawak Orchid Society (SARORSO),” he said.
Abang Johari added that such collaboration in research should not stop with rice alone but be extended to other crops that can strengthen Sarawak’s food security, diversify its agricultural sector, and create new economic opportunities through innovation and science.
