KUCHING: The Sungai Tunoh area in Kapit, which covers an area of 216 hectares, has been identified as a suitable location for paddy cultivation.
Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said the area has been proposed in the government's planning list to be developed with basic irrigation and drainage infrastructure facilities.
"My ministry has taken note of the new area, namely Sungai Entuloh, Kapit.
"Therefore, the Sarawak Agriculture Department is conducting a suitability and feasibility study in the area to assess its potential as a paddy cultivation area and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025," he said at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here, today.
He said this when responding to a question from Nicholas Kudi Jantai (GPS-Baleh) regarding his proposal for the Tunoh or Entuloh, Merirai area to be suitable as a paddy cultivation area and main producer in Sarawak.
Dr Abdul Rahman said this was in line with Sarawak's target to achieve a 60 percent Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) for rice by 2030.
"However, there are challenges faced in achieving this target.
"Among these are incomplete irrigation and drainage system infrastructure, the use of traditional rice variety seeds with low production yields, low use of farm mechanization and automation among rice farmers, limited availability of land for private companies or leaders to cultivate and lack of post-harvest management facilities," he explained.
Regarding the Merit, Baleh area which has the potential to be developed as a commercial rice production area, Dr Abdul Rahman said the Sarawak Government has channeled contributions and incentives to rice farmers in the area.
"A total of 395 rice farmers and 585 hill rice growers in the Merit area with a total cultivated area of 980 hectares have received benefits.
"These farmers receive the Federal Government Fertilizer and Paddy Scheme (SBPKP) and the Hill Paddy Fertilizer and Pesticide Scheme (SBRPB), with a total assistance value of RM960,838 for the year 2024," he added.
