By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 6: A proof-of-concept paddy cultivation programme involving 10 companies produced approximately 960 metric tonnes of paddy between January and June this year, marking an early step towards Sarawak’s target of raising its rice self-sufficiency level to 60 per cent by 2030.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the results demonstrated the potential of commercial participation and innovation to strengthen the State’s paddy and rice industry.
With Sarawak’s rice self-sufficiency level stood at approximately 21 per cent in 2024, he highlighted the scale of the task ahead.
He said inadequate irrigation and drainage remained among the key challenges, limiting reliable water supply and opportunities for double cropping.
