Sarawak Focusing On Developing Comprehensive Agriculture Supply Chain
LUNDU (Sarawak), June 10 (Bernama) -- Sarawak is focusing on developing a comprehensive agricultural supply chain to improve the marketing of produce and minimise wastage.
Sarawak Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that an integrated approach, covering the entire supply chain from upstream to downstream, is essential for the sustainability and long-term success of the state's agricultural sector.
'We cannot continue with outdated practices. We must ensure there are factories, markets, and downstream processing facilities to support every crop cultivated. Only then can this sector truly thrive,' he said during a press conference after visiting the GS30 Hybrid Paddy Planting project site in Tanjung Purun earlier today.
He said one example of new methods being introduced to diversify crop production in Sarawak is the use of GS30 hybrid paddy seeds from Wuhan, China, which are currently being tested in Tanjung Purun.
'These seeds have the potential to yield between 12 to 14 metric tonnes per hectare, compared with the conventional yield of around six to seven metric tonnes per hectare,' he said.
Dr Rundi added that the pilot project, implemented by Baja Engineering Sdn Bhd over 187 hectares, has shown strong potential. However, its success depends on several critical factors, including the efficiency of the drainage system, the formation of soil structures such as hardpans, and full mechanisation, covering ploughing, planting, fertilising, pesticide application, and harvesting.
He also noted that Sarawak currently has a rice self-sufficiency level (SSL) of only about 32 per cent, with an annual production of 180,000 metric tonnes, while the state's actual consumption needs stand at 450,000 metric tonnes.
Earlier, speaking at the event, Baja Engineering Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Juraimi Abdillah said the original name of the hybrid seed was Liangyou 289, developed by Hubei Ceres Technology in China.
'However, the official name of this seed will be finalised later, pending approval from Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,' he added.
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