Dr Rundi with others while looking at GS30 hybrid paddy at the Tanjung Purun Paddy Cultivation Scheme, Lundu, today.
- Chimon Upon photo
KUCHING: The GS30 hybrid paddy variety currently being developed at the Tanjung Purun Paddy Cultivation Scheme, Lundu recorded extraordinary yields of between 12 and 14 tonnes per hectare, thus showing great potential in strengthening Sarawak's food security.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the yield was almost twice as high as that of paddy grown using conventional methods which only recorded around six to seven tonnes per hectare.
"The GS30 variety originated in Wuhan, China and is currently being developed and tested by the Baja Engineering Sdn Bhd company.
"From several plots tested, it is clear that there is a significant difference in yield because it depends greatly on the approach and planting techniques used. If implemented correctly, the results are very encouraging,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after visiting the GS30 Hybrid Paddy Cultivation project site at the Tanjung Purun Paddy Cultivation Scheme, Lundu today.
Explaining further, Dr Rundi explained that the success of the project was also influenced by the provision of complete farm infrastructure including primary, secondary and tertiary drainage systems.
“Water needs to be well controlled, namely entering when needed and being removed when no longer needed. In fact, we must have a ‘hardpan’ so that machines do not sink during work on the farm,” he said.
According to him, this type of agricultural mechanism is very important in increasing efficiency and yield.
What’s more, he added, such initiatives are in line with the government’s goal of reducing dependence on rice imports from abroad.
“Currently, Sarawak still depends on imported rice supplies from countries such as Vietnam and India.
“If one day these countries stop exports, that’s when we will really feel the impact on food security,” he said.
In this regard, Dr Rundi said that the government wants to help small farmers see paddy cultivation as a real source of income and not just for their own needs.
“The ministry is currently formulating an approach to develop the paddy industry comprehensively through the creation of a complete supply chain from upstream to downstream,” he explained.
According to Dr Rundi, among the approaches being considered include the implementation of a farm contract system with the involvement of ‘anchors’ or project leaders.
“This anchor will not only guide farmers with the correct planting methods, but also act as a buyer of the produce with its own market network.
“This is what will ensure the continuity of production,” he said.
It is understood that Tanjung Purun has an area of 187 hectares and is currently conducting trials on several off-season plots.
One of the plots has recorded a yield of 12 metric tonnes per hectare and is expected to become a model for a new approach to paddy cultivation in Sarawak.
