81 KOTA BELUD PADI FARMERS JOIN SMART SBB PROGRAMME

KOTA KINABALU, July 14 (Bernama) -- A total of 81 padi farmers in 10 locations in Kota Belud have joined the Large-Scale SMART Padi Field (SMART SBB) Ala Sekinchan programme to increase rice production by optimising land use and implementing best agricultural practices.

Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) said the pilot project in Jawi-Jawi, Kota Belud, which began in 2022, had increased rice production from 2.6 metric tonnes per hectare (MT/ha) to 4.2 MT/ha, a significant 62 per cent increase.

It said Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu launched the programme for Kampung Kesapang Tengah in Kota Belud yesterday, involving over 175 hectares of padi fields.

“The success of the SMART SBB Ala Sekinchan Bernas programme demonstrates a commitment to achieving the goal of local rice production in Sabah and ensuring the nation's food supply security, particularly in the rice subsector, remains sufficient and sustainable,” it said in a statement today.

Bernas also announced the addition of four new machines available for participants of the Kota Belud SMART SBB programme to enhance rice production through the latest farm mechanisation technology.

“This contribution brings the total to nine machines and two sets of agricultural equipment valued at RM1 million. This initiative also aims to increase local rice production and improve the self-sufficiency level (SSL) for rice in Sabah,” it added.

The SMART SBB Ala Sekinchan programme, a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Bernas, and other partners, now covers more than 1,904 hectares in planting areas across 10 states, benefiting 735 farmers.

-- BERNAMA