By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, Nov 19: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed introducing livestock farming at Lubuk Tiara Estate to make full use of the area’s 2,000 hectares of undeveloped land.
In a TVS news, Abang Johari explained that the vast tract of land could generate additional income if livestock farming is carried out using a feedlot system rather than the traditional free-range method.
“What’s wrong with raising cattle using modern approaches such as the feedlot system, where the feed is produced from palm kernel or oil palm shells?
“If we venture into cattle rearing, villagers will also have the opportunity to take part. If this company (Lubuk Tiara) produces livestock feed, villagers can source it locally without needing to import.
“This will create new livestock farmers, allowing rural communities to benefit directly. This is our approach, and I hope new ideas like this can help transform Lubuk Tiara,” he told a press conference after an official visit to the Lubuk Tiara Estate today.
He expressed confidence that the new approach would bring positive change to the local community while driving sustainable economic activity.
He also encouraged the use of drone technology in oil palm planting at Lubuk Tiara to address terrain challenges.
“Seeds can be dispersed using drones, and if 60 per cent out of 100 per cent successfully germinate, that is already good. Another advantage is that the trees can propagate naturally and produce new seeds, further increasing the tree population,” he explained.
At the same time, he noted that biomass and biochar produced from oil palm waste hold strong potential as emerging sources of renewable energy. — DayakDaily
