Sarawak: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has been commissioned to conduct a study on a hybrid rice seed mixture developed by the university, along with hybrid seeds imported from China. The initiative aims to enhance local rice production and eliminate the need for rice imports by 2030.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed optimism that the study would lead to the development of high-quality rice seeds. Onemas Agriculture Sdn Bhd has already initiated the use of Chinese rice seed technology, which allows rice to be harvested just three months after planting. This announcement was made during the hybrid rice harvesting ceremony and the official opening of the Onemas Agriculture Sdn Bhd Rice Mill in Sungai Padi, Bintangor.

The Premier emphasized that the study will ensure the hybrid rice is compatible with Sarawak’s distinct agricultural conditions. Sungai Padi has been identified as having suitable soil for establishing a rice production valley. To support farmers, including smallholders, the government plans to construct irrigation systems, facilitating new rice cultivation techniques that could yield up to nine tonnes per hectare-nine times the yield of traditional methods.

Sarawak aims to produce 240,000 tonnes of rice in the valleys of Lawas, Limbang, Kuching, and Sungai Padi, significantly reducing reliance on imported rice. Abang Johari also mentioned the possibility of exporting surplus rice and creating downstream products like rice flour for biscuits.

Additionally, there are plans to supply machinery for rice production to farming associations, enabling small-scale farmers to rent the necessary equipment.