The State Government will revive the Sabah Rice and Paddy Board next year with an allocation of RM1.82 million for operation and administration as part of the initiatives to increase rice self-sufficiency level (SSL) to 31 per cent in 2025, from 22pc this year.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said besides that, the State Government will also provide incentives for paddy field cultivation with an allocation of RM18 million and restore abandoned paddy fields, develop dryland paddy, increase the number of ploughing and harvesting machinery, supply fertiliser, as well as providing rice subsidy to all operators with an allocation of RM5.16 million.
Studies on varieties of paddy that are suitable for cultivation in paddy fields affected by saltwater mainly on the East Coast of Sabah will also be continued and dryland rice cultivation technology will also be introduced to farmers, he said, adding the State Government recognises the importance of food security in Sabah, especially rice.
For other crop sub-sectors, he said the focus will be given to the implementation of commodity plantation development; research, accreditation and certification; quarantine enforcement; human capital development; and agriculture entrepreneurs.
Tabling the 2024 Sabah Budget at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here Friday, Masidi said the State Government strives to enhance the yield and quality of crops to ensure that the SSL of all food supplies continues to increase.
“Therefore, the State will intensify its efforts to further develop the agriculture sector. Various initiatives and innovations are introduced and implemented through programmes on development of crops, aquaculture, livestock, rubber plantations as well as development of agriculture entrepreneur,” he said.
To ensure that Sabah becomes a regional food hub, Masidi said another Permanent Food Production Park (PFPP) has been identified and will be developed at Sungai Lokan, Kinabatangan.
With that, a total of 16 PFPPs are developed in Sabah with an area of 592.87 hectares which involves 183 participants, he added.
“Tuaran Agricultural Research Centre is currently exploring a new field of research in plant biotechnology particularly molecular biology to produce a new variety that has a shorter period of maturity and is resistant to diseases, as well as able to produce high-quality crops.”
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