Tanjung manis: Strategic collaboration between the private sector and local landowners is emerging as a viable model for developing idle land for commercial padi cultivation, The model promises mutual benefits, generating consistent income for landowners and enabling modern, large-scale cultivation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abang Johari highlighted that this approach addresses the high costs that residents face when cultivating the land themselves. The involvement of the private sector facilitates the use of modern machinery, creating economies of scale. He shared these insights with reporters after visiting the Community Padi Cultivation Project, a collaboration between the Kuala Rajang Islamic Welfare Trust and Padihead Sdn Bhd at Ta Ann Padihead Padi Farm.

Private companies are expected to invest in providing modern machinery and technology for land cultivation. Abang Johari noted that the mechanized approach not only accelerates the padi planting process to 50 minutes per hectare but also enhances yields to three seasons annually.

The Tanjung Manis project, spanning 323.75 hectares, is projected to yield approximately four tonnes per hectare across two planting seasons each year. This model holds potential for expansion to other areas, including Kuala Rajang, which offers a potential area of 105.22 hectares.

Abang Johari emphasized the broader vision for Sarawak, stating that cultivating 14,000 hectares could produce 240,000 metric tonnes of rice, sufficient for domestic needs. Doubling this area could increase production to 480,000 metric tonnes, allowing for export of the surplus. The initiative aligns with Sarawak's goal to achieve food security and strengthen the padi sector's production and export capabilities through high-tech initiatives by 2030.