TAMBUNAN: The Sabah Padi and Rice Board (LPBS) continues efforts to strengthen the paddy planting sector by introducing modern technology in the field to increase production and safeguard the State’s food security.
Deputy Chief Minister I cum Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the modern technology-based programme had so far been implemented in six major paddy-producing districts, namely Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Papar, Tuaran, Tambunan and Keningau.
“Among the new approaches introduced are smart irrigation systems, automated planting machinery and crop monitoring using drones and digital applications,” he said.
He said this after officiating the Tambunan District Paddy Planting Revolution ceremony at Kampung Solibog, here, Monday.
According to Jeffrey, modern technology not only improves efficiency and reduces reliance on manual labour, but also helps farmers adapt to climate change and current farming challenges.
“I hope the Federal Government can assist, as increasing paddy production in Sabah will reduce dependence on imported rice and help the Government minimise foreign exchange losses.
“Therefore, I hope additional allocations can be provided to strengthen the irrigation systems and for the purchase of more machinery, which are still lacking,” he said.
He said the effort is in line with LPBS’ slogan “Mechanisation and Modernisation to Improve Farmers’ Yields” and plans are underway to gradually expand the approach to all districts across Sabah.
The initiative is also supported by relevant agencies, including the Agriculture Department and local research institutions, to ensure the technology suits the State’s geography and the farmers’ capabilities.
LPBS is confident that with the expansion of this effort, Sabah can achieve a higher rice self-sufficiency level and bring direct benefits to farmers and consumers throughout the State.
