KUCHING: A sum of RM 11.78 million has been spent since 2017 to develop Tanjung Purun paddy planting project in Kampung Stunggang Melayu Lama in Lundu near here.
This is inclusive of the RM7.3 million used to construct and upgrade its drainage and irrigation infrastructure and related works.
The project on a currently cultivated 88 hectares makes use of a variety of machines like harvesters, transplanters, power tillers, power sprayers, dryer, tractors, backpack motorised high precision seeders and also spraying drones.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas paid a working visit to the project site last Sunday (Mar 21).
He had instructed the Kuching Division Agriculture office to come up with a comprehensive management system to allow double cropping to be implemented this year.
“With double cropping, the harvest target is seven ton per hectare,” said Uggah, who is also the Minister of Agriculture Modernisation, Native Land and Regional Development.
“This is because the national average is eight ton per hectare,” said Uggah.
Meanwhile, 10 varieties of paddy are planted in the project. They are the Merah, Pandan, Retih, Pulut Cina, Pulut Hitam, MR 219, MR 263, MRQ 76, Black Berry and Lombok.
In 2019, the average harvest was 4,037 kilogrammes per hectare and with 75 hectares planted and 92 farmers involved.
Last year, the cultivated areas increased to 88 hectares and involved 96 farmers.
Also present were Tanjong Datu assemblywoman Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, permanent secretary to Ministry of Modern Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Edwin Abit and Agriculture Department director Dr Alvin Chai, and Kuching Division Agriculture officer Chong Mui Sia who was present to brief Uggah on the project.
