By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, Feb 27: Course syllabus featuring aquaculture will be introduced at Sarawak Agriculture Institute (IPS) at Semenggok, here.
In stating this, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said this will add to the institute’s existing courses to bolster Sarawak’s food production efforts.
“Aquaculture is indeed a very lucrative venture, so we must emphasise on it and include the syllabus here (at the institute).
“Actually we have started the Aquaculture Industry Zone (AIZ) in Rambungan and Batang Ai, but have not seen any Bumiputera boys or girls looking into it as a very lucrative venture,” Dr Rundi told reporters today.
He has earlier officiated at IPS’ 17th convocation for certificate course graduates at the institute.
Some 91 students completed the two-year training for the 2020-2022 session.
Dr Rundi stressed that Sarawak’s need to have a new approach to increase production and create high quality products to become a net food exporter by 2030.
“To ensure food security and becoming a net food exporter, there should be no more business as usual, but to change our approach using the latest technology in line with Industry 4.0,” he added.
Meanwhile, IPS which started operations in 1985 has produced 1,845 graduates from their agriculture certificate courses.
According to Dr Rundi, some graduates have achieved success in the agriculture business, while some are employed in the public and private sectors.
Among those present Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Sarawak agriculture director Dominic Chunggat and IPS chairman Massumi Bojeng. — DayakDaily
