Kota Kinabalu: A collaboration between the Sabah Agriculture Department and participants of the Sawah Satelit Benih Padi Sah programme across four districts in the State - Kota Belud, Papar, Keningau and Tenom - is projected to yield 3,991 tonnes of certified rice seeds.
Deputy Chief Minister I cum State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the initiative, involving a total area of 399.13 hectares, will meet seed requirements for up to 27,000 hectares — equivalent to 76 per cent of Sabah’s total 35,150 hectares of paddy cultivation.
“This programme is an effort by the Ministry, through the Sabah Agriculture Department, to supply high-quality rice seeds for the development of rice cultivation in the State. The department is committed to producing certified and superior rice seeds to be supplied to farmers, thereby directly increasing their yields and incomes,” he said.
The programme focuses on the TR8 rice variety, known for its high yield potential, disease resistance and relatively short harvest period of 130 days, allowing for cultivation twice a year.