THE Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development (M-FICORD) is urged to consider the proposal to establish the Sarawak Rice and Paddy Development Board in the state.
Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan, stated that this initiative aims to enhance self-sufficiency levels (SSL) and paddy cultivation management, thereby boosting the income sources of the people, especially in rural areas.
“The board’s task will involve managing the entire ecosystem related to rice production, input management, processing, Research and Development (R&D), distribution, and, of course, creating jobs for the local community,” he said.
He made these remarks during the debate supporting the Supply Bill (2024), 2023, and the Motion to Refer the Sarawak Development Budget Estimate Resolution for 2024 at the 19th State Legislative Assembly (DUN) session on Thursday (Nov 23).
Expanding further, Lidam emphasised the significant importance of paddy cultivation in rural areas as a primary source of livelihood for a considerable portion of the rural population.
“We have 100 hectares of land in a swampy area ready for cultivation. I understand that the SSL in the Katibas DUN Community is only 34 per cent, and we aspire to achieve 60 per cent. Therefore, I propose that each region generates its SSL, which then contributes to the overall SSL and local food security,” he said.
Simultaneously, he also requested the M-FICORD to expedite the construction of a hatchery facility in Katibas, as the area is among the freshwater fish sources in Sarawak, especially for Empurau fish.
“I appreciate Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for the allocation of RM5mil for inland and aquaculture fisheries development programs and projects. Hence, I request that funds from this allocation be allocated for the development of the Empurau Belt in Katibas,” he said.
Additionally, he appealed to M-FICORD to allocate a specific amount of funds for the Smart Farming Area, providing skill development programmes, especially in hatching products, biotechnology, tissue culture, marketing, and recruitment for skills training centres.
Moreover, he urged the Area Farmers to play a more active role in providing market networks to local farmers and members, reaching broader markets.
