PADIBERAS Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) has unveiled the expansion of the Large Scale Smart Paddy Field (SMART SBB) Ala Sekinchan programme in Kg Kesapang Tengah, Kota Belud.
The project, launched by Agriculture and Food Security Miniater Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, covers over 175 hectares of planting area and is part of a collective commitment to advancing the nation’s food security agenda.
According to Mohamad, the programme optimises land use and adopts best agricultural practices to enhance domestic rice production, mirroring the successful implementation in Sekinchan, Selangor.
“The remarkable success of the SMART SBB Ala Sekinchan BERNAS programme is pivotal in achieving Sabah’s local rice production goals, signifying the commitment of the Ministry and ensuring the safety and security of the country’s food supply, especially in the rice subsector, to always be sufficient and sustainable,” he remarked.
Through this programme, BERNAS further announced the addition of four state-of-the-art machines to our farmers’ resources, empowering them with the latest in farm mechanisation technology.
This brings the company’s total contribution to nine machines and two sets of advanced agricultural equipment, valued at RM1 mil.
The initiative aims to boost local rice production and elevate Sabah’s self-sufficiency levels for rice, empowering farmers with valuable knowledge and tools to maximise crop yields and income.
“This programme has been a game-changer for me. It has introduced me to more productive farming methods, leading to better and more consistent harvests,” shared Adlin Mohd, a farmer based in Kg. Jawi-Jawi and a participant in the SMART SBB Ala Sekinchan BERNAS programme.
“This not only translates to increased income but has also helped me overcome previous challenges related to farm management. I encourage more farmers to participate in the programme and experience similar success.”
Initiated in Kota Belud in June 2022, the programme also aims to directly contribute to Sabah’s self-sufficiency levels (SSL) for local rice and empower local farmers with the tools and knowledge to improve crop yields and increase revenue.
As one of the key players driving the implementation of the SMART SBB Ala Sekinchan, BERNAS provides support to participating farmers in various aspects, including farm management, agricultural machinery, and training, as well as advance capital to cover operational costs.
Currently, a total of 81 farmers are participating in the SMART SBB Ala Sekinchan BERNAS programme across 10 locations in Kota Belud.
There has been an increase in paddy yield by 1.6MT/Ha, or 62%, in the Jawi-Jawi area, from 2.6 MT/Ha to 4.2 MT/Ha, significantly increasing farmers’ income.
Since its introduction, the SMART SBB Ala Sekinchan, a collaborative effort between the Ministry, BERNAS, and our partners now covers over 1,904 hectares of planting area across 10 states, benefitting over 735 farmers. – July 15, 2024
