By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 21: Sarawak’s ambition to become the country’s largest rice bowl by 2030 will be powered by the implementation of 10 irrigation infrastructure projects worth RM271.89 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13).
According to a TVS news report, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said another three new projects worth RM88.3 million have also been proposed to further strengthen food security in the State.
He explained that the federal government is confident Sarawak can emerge as the nation’s focal food security hub through RMK-13, which outlines three key strategies: boosting food production, strengthening supply, and reinforcing the agri-food chain.
Arthur stressed that Sarawak’s development priority includes strategic crops such as maize, onions, and coffee, with project values totalling RM10.21 million. These efforts, he said, are aligned with the national target of reducing reliance on imported food.
To address agricultural logistics challenges, Arthur highlighted the introduction of the Agro-Food Supply and Distribution Chain (RANTAI) programme, which will also be implemented under RMK-13.
“For Sarawak, RM3.5 million has been allocated under RANTAI, with targets to involve 200 farmers and entrepreneurs, develop seven farm collection centres, establish 13 temporary sales centres, and handle up to 800 metric tonnes of agricultural produce annually,” he said when replying to Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong) in Dewan Rakyat today.
Arthur added that these measures will not only improve food supply chains but also create new market opportunities in Kapit and Sri Aman, while supporting Sarawak’s aspiration to become a regional food export hub. — DayakDaily
