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By Jacob Achoi
BAU, June 11: Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Martin Ben says his ministry is supportive of giving allocations to support agricultural activities in Puncak Borneo.
However, he stressed that the locals must have the dedication, commitment and interest to develop their agricultural products for commercialisation.
“For us (in the ministry), we are willing to pour in funds to develop agriculture in the area (Puncak Borneo) and my minister (Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom) has said it several times.
“But for us to do that, the locals must put in efforts to develop their crops for commercial use,” he told reporters here yesterday (June 10).
He pointed out that it was pointless for the government to assist if the locals do not have the interest to participate in agriculture, adding that the government was always willing to give advice and provide the expertise.
“The basis is (commitment must come) from bottom up because the locals know what they want and are interested in and on our part, we are ready to assist,” he asserted.
He cited Mambong as an example where emphasis has been placed on planting coffee, besides planting other crops like banana.
According to him, Mambong which has sloped terrain is suitable for planting coffee.
