KPKM Targets Converting 150,000 Hectares of Padi Fields into Sekinchan-Style Cultivation
Published on: January 29, 2024.
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The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) in Malaysia has set a goal to implement the Sekinchan-style SMART Large-Scale Padi Field (SMART SBB) practice on approximately 150,000 hectares of padi planting area nationwide by 2030. This targeted area represents one-third of Malaysia’s total estimated 600,000 hectares allocated for padi fields.
Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, announced this plan and also shared his intention to discuss the matter with the Premier of Sarawak in the coming month to develop Sarawak and Sabah into the country’s second rice bowl. Just like Kedah has the Young Agricultural Development Board (MADA) and Kelantan has the Kemubu Agricultural Development Board (KADA), he plans to establish a similar body in Sabah and Sarawak to achieve this goal.
During the launch of the SMART SBB Ala Sekinchan Project in Pasir Puteh, Mohamad stated that RM10 million has been allocated for Sabah and Sarawak to open up more land for padi cultivation in order to make Malaysia a rice exporter by 2030. The introduction of the SMART SBB Ala Sekinchan project in these regions will enable them to contribute to Malaysia’s rice exports.
To become a rice exporter, Malaysia needs to produce a minimum of 7 metric tons per hectare. Currently, the yield is less than 5 metric tons per hectare. Mohamad emphasized the need to increase productivity, and cited the example of Kedah where the yield has increased from 7 metric tons to 11 metric tons per hectare. However, in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, the yield is only 4 metric tons per hectare. Achieving a minimum yield of 7 metric tons per hectare would position Malaysia as a rice exporter, taking advantage of the available land area and the benefits of modern agricultural practices.
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