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KOTA BELUD: Kadamaian is set to become the first constituency to implement the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) concept to produce organic rice.

Rural Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the project will be implemented by villagers of Kg Tambatuon and the Malaysian Agroecology Society for Sustainable Resource Intensification with support from Kota Belud Integrated Agriculture Development Area and local NGO, Pacos Trust.

“With support from these bodies, I’m confident we will be able to bring rice that are produced from the village to a bigger market,” he said.

He noted that Kadamaian has already become the first constituency to introduce the SRI approach in rice farming with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) that provides the certification.

He said the programme will boost the local economy in the area which focuses on rural tourism and sustainable agriculture.

He added that in fact, it has become the main focus in the 15-year development plan for the constituency from 2020 to 2035.

He also pledged to commit funds for the building of an entrepreneurial centre which will see the production of organic rice from the village.