DEBAK, April 9: Lubok Tamang in Saribas and another site near the proposed Bebuling STOLport in Spaoh are among two areas identified in Betong division to be turned into agroparks.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas revealed that the Lubok Tamang agropark has an area of about 2,000ha while the agropark in the vicinity of Bebuling STOLport (Short Take-Off and Landing) will occupy an area of 1,500ha with another 300ha for precision farming.
“The Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID Sarawak) has completed its drainage master plan (for Lubok Tamang agropark).
“The Sarawak government would likely consider having an anchor company model in developing the agroparks, in order to ensure that farmers’ produce can be sold,” he told the media after performing the ground-breaking ceremony for the Debak Sports Complex here today.
He explained that the anchor company model involved having a company with many years of experience in commodity crop planting and a good market network to help with developing the agroparks.
“This is one of our greatest challenges. In addition, such companies need to meet the food standard expectations of importing countries, which can be quite stringent.
“It will not be possible for a new company to meet all these criteria,” he said.
Such a model, he continued, was adopted at the Collecting, Processing and Packing Centre (CPPC) at Tarat in Serian in which the anchor company, Top Fruit, has market reach in 11 countries.
Uggah, who is also the Minister for Agriculture Modernisation, Native Land and Regional Development, added that a RM10 million CPPC would be developed at the Spaoh agropark by Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda).
“The centre will be collecting and processing food for export besides doing wholesale there.
“Both agroparks will be part of the Betong Food Basket Area stretching from Betong to Mukah divisions,” he added, emphasising that this was part of the government’s agenda to make Sarawak a net food exporter by 2030.
As the Bebuling STOLport would be ready in three years time which would then facilitate exports by air, he said there is ample time to begin producing.
“Interested farmers and agropreneurs can apply to lease plots in the agroparks for their activities.
“The government would ready all the needed infrastructures including the IT system for their benefits,” he reassured.
Uggah hopes farmers in both areas will give their fullest co-operation and be ready to embrace modern farming methods which can help them to generate more income.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak government has approved RM8.9 million for the Debak Sports Complex which is expected to be completed in a year’s time. It will have a running track and football field, among others.
Betong Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat, Saribas assemblyman Mohd Razi Sitam, political secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Richard Rapu and Betong Resident Friday Belik were among those present at the event. — DayakDaily
