KOTA KINABALU: Several measures are being introduced in Kota Belud district, once Sabah’s rice bowl, to boost the state’s padi production and achieve the targeted self-sufficiency level.

       They included the construction of a RM36mil Integrated Agriculture Development Area (AIDA) complex, which is to become a landmark for the state’s padi and rice industry, said Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.

       Slated to be completed within the 12th Malaysia Plan, the complex would house a training centre for farmers to enhance their knowledge, and a machinery workshop and agriculture laboratory, he said during the ground-breaking ceremony for the complex yesterday.

       At the same time, he said the government would address the issue of water supply for agricultural purposes by developing the drainage and irrigation system in Kota Belud, which is known to be prone to flooding, at a cost of RM410.39mil.

       “This development will consist of 17 projects, which involve upgrading works on the system, constructions of main canals, as well as roads leading to fields and other infrastructures, which is expected to be completed by 2030.

       “Once done, a 5,000ha area of padi farms could be harvested twice a year. The infrastructure development will benefit padi farmers in terms of boosting crops production and contribute towards increasing Sabah’s rice self-sufficiency level to 60%,” he added.

       During the event, Kiandee also launched the large-scale padi field SMART programme, which involved 40 padi farmers with a cultivation area of 45ha. The government-private collaboration with Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas), is expected to increase the farmers’ earnings and transform the landscape of the local padi and rice industry.