LUNDU: The GS30 hybrid paddy variety in Tanjung Purun has demonstrated impressive yield potential, says Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
The 187-hectare paddy site in Tanjung Purun, planted with this variety, has shown a maximum yield potential of 12 to 14 metric tonnes per hectare, nearly double the yield of less optimised plots, which produced around 6 to 7 metric tonnes per hectare.
According to Dr Rundi, the GS30 is a hybrid variant from Wuhan, China, and is being developed and tested by Baja Engineering Sdn Bhd.
“From the plots that have been provided, we observed differences in yield.
“This is because the farming methods used varied, and we are identifying the best approach to achieve maximum output.
“I was informed that the maximum yield could reach 12 to 14 metric tonnes per hectare, while less efficient methods yielded around 6 to 7 metric tonnes per hectare.
“One key point raised was that the infrastructure must be complete—covering primary, secondary, and tertiary levels,” he said after visiting the paddy cultivation site on Tuesday (June 10).
Dr Rundi added that this initiative aligns with the government’s goal to reduce reliance on rice imports.
Currently, he said, Sarawak heavily depends on imports from countries like Vietnam and India.
“Our concern is that one day, countries like India or Vietnam may decide to stop exporting rice. That’s when we’ll really feel the impact on food security.”
He also noted that the GS30 variety, which was planted during the off-season, still managed to produce up to 12 metric tonnes per hectare.
“So, we need to adopt the methods that lead to such results. Soil conditions also play a role—liming and other treatments are necessary. We must follow expert recommendations.
“I believe any successful approach needs a ‘driver’—what we call an anchor.
“This anchor ensures the correct farming methods are applied and also acts as an off-taker—someone linked to external markets, who can purchase the harvest.
“If this system is in place, the contract farming model can succeed. Without it, if everything is done in isolation, it won’t work.”
