THE development of the Batang Lupar Granary Area (BLGA) remains ongoing, said Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang.
He noted that the granary area, part of the National Key Economic Area (NKEA) food security programme approved by the federal government in 2012, has seen progress through government initiatives.
“A recent visit by Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom to Projek SMART SBB, Block C Tanjong Bijat, Sri Aman, highlighted continued efforts to implement the project.
“The cultivated area has yet to expand fully and further support from the federal government could help accelerate development,” he said when debating on the Sarawak Budget 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Friday.
He added that local communities support the scheme but are seeking assurance on returns compared to traditional paddy planting.
Mong also highlighted the importance of ongoing programmes under the Ministry, including the Agriculture Facilitation Farm (AFF), Agricorp and Farm Road initiatives.
He encouraged continued collaboration between the federal and state governments to ensure effective implementation.
He further proposed that the state government consider overseeing the remaining undeveloped areas of the Batang Lupar Granary, including Seduku and Lingga/Banting, to support overall paddy production in the state.
