SARIKEI: Sarawak could position itself as a major global rice exporter, potentially rivalling countries like India and Vietnam, with the development of its own hybrid rice variety.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg noted that the state’s annual rice consumption is approximately 240,000 tonnes.
With the introduction of hybrid rice seeds, he expressed optimism that Sarawak could not only achieve self-sufficiency but also become a rice-exporting state.
“If smallholders and villagers are involved, our rice production will exceed 240,000 tonnes.
“If we produce more than we need, we can export. Currently, we import rice from Vietnam and India because other exporters, like Thailand, are struggling to meet demand.
“If we produce hybrid rice, we won’t need to import anymore. We can produce enough for everyone in Sarawak,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the Onemas Agriculture Sdn Bhd Rice Processing Plant in Sungai Padi, Meradong today (Jan 16).
Onemas Agriculture Sdn Bhd has successfully harvested hybrid paddy cultivated across three established sites, covering a total of 50 hectares of fertile land.
The hybrid rice seeds, imported from China, have demonstrated remarkable efficiency, with a grain setting rate of 96.46 per cent and minimal empty shells per panicle.
Abang Johari then commended the ongoing efforts by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Onemas Agriculture Sdn Bhd to develop Sarawak Hybrid Rice, which could transform the state’s agricultural landscape.
He said that this initiative would not only enhance food security but also increase the income of rural communities.
“Once we have our own hybrid rice seeds, we can plant them across Sarawak. Anyone with suitable land can receive the seeds, and large companies can purchase them as well.
“If a farmer has five hectares of land and produces a significant yield, we will buy their rice to supply the domestic market. If there is a surplus, we will export it,” he said.
Additionally, the Premier noted the impact of unpredictable weather patterns on global rice production, citing recent flooding in Vietnam and India’s struggles with climate change as examples.
He said that Sarawak’s renewable energy initiatives and climate management strategies have placed the state in a better position to overcome such challenges.
“Here in Sarawak, we are fortunate to have renewable energy and better control over our climate. If other regions face shortages, we can step in to help.
“With increased production, we can export rice to other countries, including Peninsular, which is currently experiencing a rice shortage,” he said.
