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KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (Maffi) is prioritising dryland rice cultivation to strengthen Sabah’s food security and reduce dependence on imports.

Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the initiative will allow rice to be grown in non-irrigated areas, including at home using pots and polybags.

“We are planning to introduce dryland rice cultivation that can be carried out around homes,” he said.

He added that Sabah currently imports about 80% of its rice supply, making local production increasingly important amid global supply risks.

Jamawi said studies on suitable rice varieties are underway, with plans to expand cultivation in rain-dependent areas.

The ministry is also pushing local corn production to reduce reliance on imported animal feed, targeting 1,000 hectares within five years to improve self-sufficiency.