SRI AMAN: The Sarawak Government has allocated RM1 billion to implement the Paddy Project in the Stumbin-Bijat area, Sri Aman, as a long-term measure to increase the paddy cultivation productivity in the state.

Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD), Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom said this is one of the government's efforts to strengthen the paddy and rice industry through more comprehensive allocations and infrastructure development.

He added that efforts to strengthen the paddy industry are not only important to increase the state's rice Self-Sufficiency Rate (SSR), but also as a major contributor to the country's overall food security.

“The success of the paddy and rice industry does not only depend on government policies alone, but also on the commitment of farmers.

"Infrastructure, technology and incentives have been provided but what is more important is our readiness to change from old methods to modern methods, as well as practicing cooperation through cooperatives or agricultural clusters," he said.

He said this when speaking at the Integrated Agriculture Development Area (IADA) Batang Lupar 2025 Customers' Day at the Sri Aman Civic Centre on Tuesday.

Additionally, a total of 85 palm oil mills operating in Sarawak have the potential to contribute to the production of food for livestock through kernel crushing plants, further strengthening the state's food industry chain.

Meanwhile, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi said that the transformation of agriculture in Sarawak also needs to be based on continuous education for paddy farmers and the younger generation so that the sustainability of the agricultural industry can be ensured for the long term.

"With integrated efforts, systematic paddy cultivation management, increasing paddy farmers' knowledge, using the latest technology and upgrading irrigation infrastructure, I am confident that we can boost Sarawak as a major contributor to the country's paddy and rice production," he said.

Thus, he said, this step reaffirms the Sarawak Government's commitment in ensuring food security for the people and strengthening the state's position in the modern and sustainable agricultural sector.

Also present were M-FICORD Deputy Minister, Datuk Martin Ben, Member of Parliament for Batang Lupar, Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, Lingga Assemblywoman, Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, Sri Aman Division Resident, Mahra Salleh and IADA Batang Lupar Director, Irene Lah. -UKASnews