Malaysia To Increase Rice Crop

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31086, 15 June 1966, Page 21

Malaysia To Increase Rice Crop

A £24 million irrigation development scheme to be started soon would more than double the rice harvest of Malaysia by 1970, the assistant director of drainage and irrigation for the federation (Mr A. S. Sodhy) said in Christchurch. In theory the scheme would make the country selfsufficient in its staple diet, but as the population expanded, further undertakings would be necessary. Mr Sodhy said the scheme

would bring a permanent, reliable water supply to a belt of land covering 262,000 acres at present yielding 229,000 tons of rice. When completed, the

scheme would boost the yield to an estimated 654,000 tons by allowing the 66,000 fanners in the area to grow two crops a year. The fanners, who have average holdings of five acres, would have their incomes more than doubled, thus lifting the economy of the area from comparative poverty to a more favourable level. Two huge reservoirs would be linked by a tunnel five miles and a half long, so that water in the larger reservoir might be channelled into the smaller. This would ensure that

water would be available throughout the year and obviate the dependence of farmers on a fickle rainfall for the success of their crops. The entire project was one of the largest undertakings in the short history of the federation, and was being financed by the World Bank. A Japanese construction company was expected to win the contract for the whole scheme. Local labour would be used.

Two dams, one of reinforced concrete 120 ft high and 1350 ft long, and the other rock filled, 210 ft high and 900 ft long,

would control the flow of water from the two reservoirs. An English consulting firm designed the entire scheme, which would not only provide abundant water but increase supplies of fish. While in the South Island during the week-end Mr Sodhy inspected irrigation and hydro-electric undertakings. He praised the Ministry of Works officials who arranged his trip at such short notice and enabled him to see so much.