KUCHING – Sarawak is stepping up efforts to increase paddy production by expanding the use of agricultural technology, research and modern farm management as the state seeks to strengthen its rice self-sufficiency.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the strategy was increasingly important as climate change and uncertainty in global food supplies could affect Malaysia’s sources of imported rice.
He said the state government was reviewing its paddy production policy, with attention being given to land availability, seed varieties, agricultural technology and the development of skilled personnel.
The Premier was speaking at the second Sarawak Rice Research Conference (SARICON II) 2026 in Kuching, which carries the theme “Sustained Drive for Future: Innovation, Collaboration and Research”.
Sarawak has identified about 14,000 hectares of land for potential paddy development, comprising state government land and areas held by smallholders. About 7,000 hectares of the identified area consists of government land that has already been gazetted for paddy production.
Increasing productivity from existing and newly developed areas is expected to be a key part of the state’s approach. Abang Johari said research into improved seed varieties, including hybrid and perennial rice, should be intensified to support a targeted yield of between eight and 12 tonnes per hectare per season.
That target is significantly above the current average yield of about 1.2 tonnes per hectare, highlighting the scale of the productivity gap that Sarawak is seeking to address through research and technological improvements.
Research into perennial rice has also shown encouraging results, according to Abang Johari. A study conducted with Yunnan University in China on peatland in Baram, Miri, found that the crop was capable of producing new shoots after harvesting without requiring replanting for every season.
The state is also looking to expand the use of digital technology in farm management. Smart irrigation, remote sensing, cameras and artificial intelligence could allow farmers and agricultural authorities to monitor crop conditions remotely and identify issues such as pest attacks at an earlier stage.
Such systems could provide more timely information on crop development and help farmers respond more quickly when problems emerge. The wider adoption of technology is intended to improve both farm management and production efficiency.
The Sarawak Government has allocated RM1 billion for irrigation and drainage infrastructure in areas identified for paddy cultivation. The state is also encouraging greater private sector involvement with smallholders to expand the scale of production.
Abang Johari pointed to results from wasteland areas in Kuala Rajang and Gedong, where production of about six tonnes of paddy per hectare has been achieved. He said the results demonstrated the potential of technology and cooperation between private companies and smallholders to improve yields and farmers’ incomes.
Beyond land, infrastructure and technology, the transformation of the sector will also require a new generation of agricultural workers and researchers. Abang Johari said farmers’ children should be encouraged to pursue modern agriculture, agricultural science and life sciences, supported by Sarawak’s free higher education opportunities.
He also called for research into rice varieties with potential health benefits, including varieties with lower carbohydrate content. The approach places agricultural research within a broader food-security strategy that considers not only production volume but also changing consumer and nutritional needs.
Also attending the conference were Sarawak Premier’s Adviser for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Permanent Secretary Datu Sirai Daha, Sarawak Agriculture Department director Dominic Chunggat and Sarawak Institute of Agricultural Scientists president Dr Maclin Dayod.
Sarawak’s planned expansion of paddy cultivation, combined with investment in irrigation, research, technology and human capital, forms part of the state’s longer-term effort to strengthen domestic food production and reduce exposure to disruptions in external rice supplies. â Sarawak Daily
