KUCHING: Putrajaya has allocated RM129 million to the Sarawak government to implement programmes and projects under the national food security agenda throughout 2025.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the funding covers 61 major development projects, including initiatives to boost the rice and paddy industry, such as the Paddy Development Project in Tanjung Purun, Lundu, and the Development of Paddy Planting Areas in IADA Batang Lupar.
“In addition, RM36.7 million has also been approved under the Land Use Optimisation Programme, involving the implementation of 12 projects under Phases 1 and 2.
“The funds channelled and the implementation of these strategic projects reflect the strong cooperation between the federal and Sarawak government to support and strengthen the national food security agenda in a comprehensive and integrated manner,” he said.
Kurup was speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Paddy Conference at Raia Hotel.
The programme, themed ‘Paddy Wave Towards National Food Security’, was aimed at sharing the latest findings in rice and paddy research and development, while fostering stronger collaboration between policymakers, researchers, extension officers, farmers, industry players, and entrepreneurs nationwide.
A total of 28 papers were presented during the two-day event, comprising one keynote address, three plenary sessions, 24 invited presentations, and 90 poster displays.
The presentations covered nine key research scopes, which Kurup said “clearly reflect the wealth of input and shared outcomes gathered throughout the conference.”
He stressed that the conference’s success was a testament to the commitment of all stakeholders in addressing key issues, charting strategic action plans, and clarifying the roles of each party in the agricultural industry value chain.
