THE continued reliance on outdated farming methods and inefficient agricultural systems risks leaving Sarawak vulnerable to global food supply disruptions, says Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh.
He said traditional small-scale family farming methods could no longer meet future food security demands amid rising global uncertainties and increasing pressure on food supply chains.
“Traditional small-scale family type farming methods can no longer meet future and food security demand,” he said when debating in support of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill 2026, during the DUN Sitting yesterday (May 12).
He stressed that the proposed Sarawak Padi and Rice Board must spearhead the sector’s transformation by adopting smart farming technologies, precision agriculture, automated irrigation systems, AI-based monitoring systems, mechanised harvesting, and high-yield seed technology.
“The Board must lead the transformation toward smart farming technology, precision agriculture, automated irrigation systems, AI-based monitoring systems, mechanised harvesting and high-yield seed technology,” he said.
Miro said countries such as China and Thailand had successfully increased rice production efficiency through modernisation and technology-driven agricultural systems.
“This is how countries like China and Thailand successfully increased their rice production efficiency. Sarawak must move from subsistence farming into modern commercial agriculture,” he explained.
The Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill 2026 was tabled during the current sitting of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly by Stephen Rundi Utom.
