KUCHING – The establishment of the Sarawak Paddy and Rice Board is expected to empower farmers and strengthen the agricultural sector, ensuring the sustainability of the state’s most vital food supply.
Meluan assemblyman Dato Rolland Duat Jubin highlighted during the debate on the Sarawak Paddy and Rice Board Bill 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) that paddy farmers play a crucial role in securing food supply for Sarawak. However, many continue to face economic challenges.
He explained that the creation of the board will provide a structured support system for farmers, covering subsidies and incentives, access to modern technology, training programmes, improved irrigation and drainage systems, as well as assistance in marketing and distribution.
“This measure will directly increase farmers’ productivity and income. More importantly, it will encourage the younger generation to venture into the agricultural sector,” he said.
Rolland noted that many young people are leaving rural areas because agriculture is often perceived as labour-intensive and unprofitable.
With modernisation, innovation, and better support systems, he believes the board can transform paddy cultivation into a more attractive and sustainable economic sector.
He further emphasised that one of the most meaningful impacts of the board’s establishment is its potential to reduce poverty in rural communities.
Many paddy farming groups are located in remote areas with limited economic opportunities. By increasing productivity and income, the board can help uplift the socio-economic status of these communities.
The Sarawak government’s move reflects its broader vision of strengthening food security while ensuring that agriculture remains a viable livelihood for future generations.
The board is expected to play a central role in modernising paddy farming, promoting innovation, and creating opportunities for rural development.
With agriculture being a backbone of Sarawak’s economy, the establishment of the Paddy and Rice Board is seen as a long-term investment in both food security and rural prosperity.
