By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, March 31: The State has allocated RM50 million to the Sarawak Farmers’ Organisation (PPNS) for the period 2021-2025 in order for Sarawak to achieve its goal of becoming a net exporter of food products and a high-income society by 2030.
This was stated by Deputy Minister for Modernisation Of Agriculture And Regional Development (Modernisation Of Agriculture), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail during his speech at the opening ceremony of PPNS’s 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last night at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
“The total amount allocated annually is RM10 million for the ‘Programme Pembangunan Pelaburan dan Pemasaran’, under which PPNS is in charge of marketing agricultural products produced by farmers.
“The Sarawak government is committed to increasing the income of B40 households to RM6,000 per month by 2030 through modern farming and other agricultural activities.
“Therefore, PPNS has developed a ‘Pelan Perancangan Perniagaan dan Projek 5 Tahun (2021 – 2025)’ in which major projects are planned through 2025,” he said.
Dr Abdul Rahman stated that the ‘Projek Kilang Makanan Ikan’ at Samarahan Industrial Estate, a joint venture between PPNS and Gold Coin Sarawak Sdn Bhd, is one of the major projects on which PPNS is working to get the application for the project land site approved.
He added that PPNS also intends to acquire a 30 per cent stake in Sarawak Fertiliser Sdn Bhd.
“It is hoped that we will be able to increase the income of farmers, particularly those in the B40 group, and ensure that they have a better and more secure future and wellbeing,” he added.
Also present were Minister for Modernisation Of Agriculture And Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, Deputy Minister for Modernisation Of Agriculture And Regional Development (Regional Development) Encik Maclaine @ Martin Ben, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture And Regional Development Datu Edwin Abit, Head of Crop Division, Dominic anak Chunggat, and General Manager PPNS Mr Gom Anak Raway. — DayakDaily
