KPKM Channels RM5.82 Mln For Padi Fields Rehabilitation Project In Sabah

SOOK, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM), through the Optimising Land Use Programme in collaboration with the Sabah government, has channelled RM5.82 million for the rehabilitation of abandoned padi fields in three districts, namely Sook, Papar and Tuaran.

Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said this allocation was part of the federal and Sabah governments’ efforts to boost the rice self-sufficiency rate in the state and increase the income of padi farmers and others involved in the sector.

“Sook is one of the areas suitable for padi cultivation, with a total area of 538 acres (217.7 hectares). Data from the e-bajak system for 2023 indicates that 556 individuals are engaged in padi farming in this district.

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“As a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the rural areas, this project is one of the initiatives I’m championing to help farmers play an active role in the rice industry,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier, Arthur, who is also Pensiangan MP, officiated at the 2024 Agricultural Census for Sabah’s Rural Zone and the ground-breaking ceremony for the padi field rehabilitation project at Kampung Tulid, Kampung Kindasan, Kampung Pauh and Alab Lanas in the Sook district.

He said that through this project, KPKM, in collaboration with the Sabah Agriculture Department, aims to open up and revitalise abandoned padi fields in Sook, covering an area of 246 acres (99.5 hectares) with an allocation of RM1.88 million.

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“The project scope includes levelling the fields, constructing 150 metres of farm roads, acquiring two ploughing tractors and a harvesting machine, as well as supplying padi seeds, fertilisers and pesticides. We estimate that this area will yield a total of 294 tonnes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Arthur called on all quarters to support the implementation of the 2024 Agricultural Census, particularly by cooperating with the appointed enumerators.

He added that the data collected will be instrumental in enhancing agricultural programmes, assistance and incentives that will benefit farmers, breeders, smallholders and fishermen alike.

-- BERNAMA