New varieties of rice tested, Sarawak records yields up to 10 tons per hectare

KUCHING, 6 Oct: Sarawak is intensifying research and evaluation of various rice varieties including hybrid rice and perennial rice as part of an approach to increase productivity while achieving the state's 60 percent rice adequacy target by 2030.

The Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that the trials of various rice varieties conducted so far show a potential yield between four to 10 metric tons per hectare under test conditions.

He said the assessment was important to identify the varieties best suited for soil and environmental conditions in Sarawak, as well as having the potential to produce higher yields.

"Experiments of various varieties of rice have recorded yields of four to 10 metric tons per hectare under test conditions, while the assessment of hybrid and perennial rice is ongoing", he said.

The text of his speech was read by Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Sarawak, Dr. Abdul Rahman Ismail who represented him at the inaugural meeting of 2nd Sarawak Priestly Conference (SARICON II) 2026 held in a hotel here today.

According to him, the research on the rice varieties is also extended to aspects of crop management, automation and post-harvest technology to ensure increased yields can be translated into more consistent production.

In the meantime, he said 144 hectares of state land had been allocated for rice seed production, with two companies developing seed fields and a processing facility nearly completed.

Certified locally produced rice seeds are clearly expected to start production in 2027, thus supporting efforts to strengthen the supply of agricultural inputs for the state's rice industry.

"In addition to the expansion of crop areas, about 12,000 hectares of existing rice area will be improved through water management, mechanization and more efficient farm management.

"Let's make sure that the knowledge shared here leads to practical improvements in our fields and lasting benefits for our farmers", he said.

He said innovation and collaboration between researchers, government agencies, industry players as well as farmers is crucial to ensure that technology and research results can be translated into practical solutions in the field.

The SARICON II 2026 conference is themed "The Future of Sustainable Rice: Innovation, Collaboration and Resilience", bringing together researchers, government agencies and industry representatives to share knowledge and explore solutions to the challenges of rice and rice production.

In related developments, the proof-of-concept planting involving 12 companies produced about 2,500 metric tons of rice between January and June 2026, while a commercial rice development model approved in April 2026 opened up more space for private sector participation. - TVS