Sarawak expands hybrid rice seed production in Spaoh to boost food security

KUCHING (March 2): Sarawak’s push to strengthen its food security agenda is gaining momentum with the expansion of hybrid rice seed production in Spaoh, Betong.

A cultivation plot at Simpang Bungin, managed by Green World Genetics (GWG) Sdn Bhd, is now producing high-quality hybrid rice seeds tailored to Sarawak’s soil conditions.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas on Sunday paid a visit to the paddy cultivation plot to monitor the progress of the hybrid rice seed production project in the area.

The Bukit Saban assemblyman was accompanied by his wife Datin Amar Dato Doreen Mayang.

According to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Uggah’s visit was to observe harvesting activities carried out using modern techniques.

The hybrid seed initiative traces its roots to a memorandum of understanding signed in September 2020 between the Department of Agriculture Sarawak and GWG, which led to the establishment of GWG Debak Station near Simpang Debak.

The project focuses on developing hybrid seeds that are more resilient to diseases and capable of delivering higher yields, in line with the state government’s strategy to modernise agriculture and reduce reliance on imported rice.

The Simpang Bungin paddy cultivation plot is regarded as one of the key components in this effort.

Uggah has been closely monitoring the development of seed production projects in the area as part of broader initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity.

Also present during the visit were GWG chief executive officer Dr Chua Kim Aik, Betong Division agriculture officer Leo Toni and GWG Debak Station project manager Low Kok Leong.