By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, Oct 11: Over 600 farmers in Mambong area have attended the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) organised by Department of Agriculture (DoA).
The programme is aimed at providing rural farmers with technological know-how, particularly on coffee planting, with Mambong area marked to be developed as a coffee belt in the state.
Also included in the AgriCOP programme is fertigation methods for planting ginger.
Yesterday, the programme’s eighth series in the area which is a joint effort of DoA and Persatuan Biperoh Kuching, was held at Kpg Bratan Community Hall, along Jalan Borneo Heights.
The one-day programme was attended by 118 participants, mostly farmers from the eight nearby Biperoh villages.
Assistant Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil officiated at the closing ceremony.
Dr Jerip commended the DOA’s efforts for organising such programmes to help rural farmers in the area to gain knowledge. He urged the farmers to take their agricultural efforts seriously.
“It is high time that the people in the area be very serious to develop their idle land for commercial agricultural activities to increase their income,” Dr Jerip, who is the Mambong assemblyman, pointed out.
He stressed that the state government envisions the state becoming a net food exporter by 2030, adding that AgriCOP was among the initiatives to help and prepare the farmers to achieve the target.
Dr Jerip also noted that the area has enjoyed physical development like roads and water and electricity supply.
He acknowledged that some houses may not have electricity and water supply, but would be supplied with the basic amenities.
“I must admit that some houses which were newly built are not enjoying water and electricity (supplies), but I can assure that supply will come and I am working towards that,” Dr Jerip said.
Sarawak Administrative Officer (SAO) from the Padawan sub-district office Rangen Jamang, Kuching division agriculture officer Chong Mui Sia and Penghulu Richard Daho were among those present. — DayakDaily
