KUCHING: The successful implementation of modern rice cultivation in Lubok Punggor, Gedong, has prompted the Sarawak government to look at the Rajang Delta as another potential rice cultivation area.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said rice cultivation was suitable in the Rajang Delta area.
“Research between the local community and private sector is already underway to produce high quality paddy which can be harvested two times a year.
“I will visit the place and if proven successful, we can produce paddy on a 500-hectare land,” he said.
He told reporters this after officiating at the Leaders with The People programme and the Tanjung Manis Water Supply ceremony at the Tanjung Manis Water Treatment Plant on Saturday (Feb 17).
Abang Johari explained that one hectare of rice cultivation could yield approximately 8 metric tonnes of rice.
“With cultivation on 500 hectares of land, the total production could reach around 40,000 metric tonnes of rice,” he said.
He also took note of the recent federal government announcement regarding the floor price of paddy, which stands at RM1,300 per metric tonne in Sabah and Sarawak.
“Sarawak, will additionally provide RM500 per tonne to paddy farmers, amounting to RM1,800 per metric tonne in total.
“This would have the potential to increase the farmers’ income and alleviate poverty,” he said.
Abang Johari said projects focusing on the agricultural sector would be considered by the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA).
“Rice cultivation is one of them, and others would include pineapples, carbon trading, algae production for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
“So, I think this sector will be multi-sectoral because we already have basic supplies of water, electricity and roads.
“And when the Lassa Bridge and the Paloh Bridge are completed, the entire Rajang area will be integrated including the Igan, Daro, Mukah areas,” he said.
He added Paloh has been identified for the shipbuilding industry and it requires water and electricity supply as well.
“So, this would result in higher-paying jobs and would increase household income,” said Abang Johari.
Earlier, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh mentioned collaborative efforts for cultivating high-quality rice using modern methods are being undertaken by the Kuala Rajang Islamic Trust Board (LAKIKR) together with landowners and private entities at the Research and Development (R&D) level on a 20-acre plot to assess soil suitability and rice varieties before expanding cultivation to a larger area of 800 acres.
“The Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID) has been directly involved in this area for the past 40 years. “At the same time, efforts to cultivate other fruits such as coconuts, corn,
