KUCHING, Feb 10: Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom urged local farmers to adopt modern and smart farming for greater profits and as a lucrative source of income.
According to a news report from Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) today, Dr Rundi said the use of technology in agriculture will produce quality products as well as quality farmers.
He pointed out that departments and agencies under the ministry are also committed to developing the agricultural sector in Sarawak.
“It is in line with the ministry’s vision to make Sarawak an exporter of food by 2030, as well as the mission to increase the income of all farmers to RM6,000 by 2030.
“Based on the potential, it is not impossible to realise,” he said after an official work visit to Permanent Food Production Park (TKPM) in Rampangi yesterday.
Meanwhile, Dr Rundi also highlighted the importance of the private sector’s involvement and role in agriculture in order to transform agriculture sector in Sarawak especially from commercialisation and marketing aspects.
He explained marketing is a problem which often plagues farmers in Sarawak because, although the agricultural produce and demand is already there, the farmers can not sell their produce and have to bear losses.
“In this regard, I am confident that cooperation between the government and the private sector will help to address the problem,” he added. — DayakDaily
