Tenom: The Sabah Government has channelled RM32.5 million through two initiatives to strengthen the State’s rice cultivation sector, covering agricultural machinery and the redevelopment of idle land.
Of the total, RM15 million has been allocated to the Sabah Padi and Rice Board (LPBS) this year to meet demand for machinery used in ploughing, planting and harvesting.
State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaffar said the allocation would boost mechanisation in the rice cultivation sector and improve the efficiency of paddy field management.
He expressed appreciation to the Chief Minister for the allocation, saying it could also encourage more young people to remain in agriculture, particularly rice cultivation.
Jamawi said the use of agricultural machinery could streamline field operations, increase productivity and reduce reliance on traditional farming methods.
Separately, LPBS has partnered with the Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP) through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth about RM17.5 million over the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) period until 2030 to develop idle land for rice cultivation.
“This is a good collaboration between Federal and State Government agencies, which we hope will benefit rice farmers throughout Sabah,” he said.
Jamawi said several areas, including Kota Belud and Kota Marudu, had been identified as having potential for development under the mini-estate concept, particularly abandoned paddy fields.
He said the initiative could also create opportunities to work with companies interested in managing paddy fields in a more organised and commercially viable manner.
Both initiatives are expected to benefit rice farmers, increase production and strengthen Sabah’s agro-food sector and food security by 2030.
