Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is targeting 60 per cent mechanisation in its padi sector within five years to raise yields and strengthen food security.
State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the move could increase output from three to four tonnes per hectare to about six tonnes.
He said key granary areas such as Tuaran, Kota Belud and Kota Marudu have been identified to drive the increase.
“This will help improve our self-sufficiency level (SSL), which we aim to raise to 40 per cent,” he said.
He told reporters after the Ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at Wisma Pertanian here, Thursday.
Jamawi said greater use of mechanisation and modern farming methods is also crucial to attract youth participation in agriculture.
“With technology and new approaches, we can bring in younger generations and improve overall output,” he said.
He noted that Sabah remains behind in terms of mechanisation, making recent Federal initiatives to enhance padi support timely.
“These include assistance for ploughing, harvesting and other stages, which will help accelerate our targets,” he said.
Jamawi said the Ministry is also strengthening coordination with Federal authorities to secure greater funding for agricultural development in the State.
A delegation led by the Permanent Secretary is scheduled to meet counterparts in Kuala Lumpur to discuss budget allocations for agencies and departments under the ministry.
“Find and secure as much allocation as possible for our farmers in Sabah,” he said.
He added that efforts to strengthen food security also include promoting small-scale “kitchen garden” initiatives among rural and urban households to supplement food supply and reduce living costs.
Meanwhile, staff of Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (Maffi) have been urged to remain committed in serving the people and strengthening the State’s agri-food sector.
Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said continuous commitment at all levels is crucial to ensure policies and programmes deliver real benefits to farmers, fishermen and breeders.
He said the Ministry’s achievements so far were the result of collective efforts by its leadership, including the Permanent Secretary, deputies, department heads and agencies.
“I appreciate the strong support and commitment shown in advancing the agriculture, fisheries and food industry sectors in Sabah,” he said.
Jamawi emphasised that the role of the ministry goes beyond policy planning, but also ensuring effective implementation on the ground.
“This means ensuring what we plan is carried out well for the benefit of the people,” he said.
He also called for closer cooperation with target groups to ensure policies remain relevant and impactful.
“Continue working hard and stay close to the community, including farmers, fishermen, breeders and all players in the sector,” he said.
Jamawi said the practice of engaging directly with communities should be strengthened to better understand their needs.
He was speaking at the ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at Wisma Pertanian, here.
Jamawi also expressed appreciation to all agencies involved in organising the event, including contributions of food and drinks for the gathering.
He said Aidilfitri contributions extended to staff reflected his long-standing practice of recognising their efforts.
Jamawi added that strong ties among ministry personnel are important in fostering teamwork and achieving development goals.
Also present were Assistant Ministers Datuk Ruslan Muharam and Datuk Hendrus Anding, Permanent Secretary Datuk Jumain Abdul Ghani, deputy permanent secretaries, agency chairmen and heads of departments.
