The government allocates RM6.9 million to boost padi productivity in Batang Lupar, supporting modern farming and the national food security goal
SRI AMAN: The government has allocated RM6.9 million in agricultural development aid to farmers in Batang Lupar.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the funding aims to boost padi productivity and expand the use of modern technology.
The assistance covers five projects under the Batang Lupar Integrated Agricultural Development Area.
These include the provision of inputs and machinery, land clearing, upgrading of farm roads, and maintenance of drainage and irrigation systems.
Mohamad said the ministry will continue to facilitate the SMART Large-Scale Padi Field programme.
It will also coordinate engagement between government agencies, anchor companies and farmers.
“IADA Batang Lupar will also ensure the padi industry in this granary area supports the government’s goal of strengthening national food security,” he said.
He was speaking at the launch of the Sarawak Padi Wave Programme at Dewan Nangkai, Stumbin.
The SMART SBB initiative is a public-private collaboration aiming to raise the country’s rice self-sufficiency level to 80% by 2030.
It also seeks to improve farmers’ livelihoods through modern, large-scale farm management.
A pilot project at Block C Tanjung Bijat began in the 2021 off-season. It recorded encouraging results, with yields nearly doubling from 2.8 to 5.5 tonnes per hectare.
The project involves collaboration between Advansia, BERNAS and 219 farmers across 105 hectares.
The use of modern technology, including transplanters, is expected to improve efficiency and productivity further.
Meanwhile, the federal and Sarawak state governments are identifying new areas to expand large-scale padi cultivation.
Mohamad noted that climate change remains a key challenge affecting planting schedules.
He cited prolonged dry spells in several granary areas in Peninsular Malaysia like Kedah and Perlis.
“We hope yields can reach up to seven tonnes, but we must address disruptions such as changing weather patterns,” he said.
