By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Nov 24: Nearly RM300 million has been allocated under the Sarawak Budget 2026 to transform the agriculture sector through technology, ensuring food security and positioning Sarawak as a future net food exporter under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
During the tabling of the budget at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that agriculture ranked as the fourth largest contributor to the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) accounting for 10.2 per cent of Sarawak’s GDP, amounting to RM15.1 billion, in 2024 despite facing numerous challenges such as climate change, resource constraint, and inadequate infrastructure.
“In 2026, we will intensify our efforts to industrialise the agrofood industry by developing an integrated and resilient supply chain, with a particular focus on export-oriented commodities such as pineapple, coconut, shrimp, fish, and swine,” he said.
Therefore, he said RM73 million will be allocated under the Sarawak Budget 2026 for the following:
- RM19.5 million for the development of Sarawak Agrotechnology Park (SARTECH) in Semenggok and Tarat
- RM27.5 million for the development of the Precision Farming Park in Kabuloh, Sg Sebiew and Rampangi
- RM20 million for the development of the Metropolitan Food Cluster in Opar (MFC)
- RM5.9 million for the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) system for agriculture and aquaculture
Additionally, RM5.6 million will be allocated in 2026 to strengthen agricultural research and development efforts and support initiatives in crop science, plant protection, and quarantine, as well as sustainable soil management.
To further strengthen the commercial agriculture sector, the Sarawak government will intensify efforts to expand food production zones and enhance supporting infrastructure with an allocation of RM21.4 million to develop agroparks (RM12.4 million) and aquaculture parks (RM9 million).
To boost rice production in Sarawak, RM20.4 million will be allocated for the development of drainage and irrigation infrastructure at existing and new paddy areas; RM25.1 million for the rehabilitation of the Mid Sadong 1 (Lubok Punggor) Scheme; and RM900,000 for various assistance for paddy farmers.
In addition, RM33 million will be allocated for cattle industry development programmes and projects, which include the establishment of cattle breeding and fattening farms, the acquisition of quality breeder stocks, and the development of the Ruminant Biotechnology Centre and oil palm-based animal feed.
To accelerate the transformation of our agricultural sector, RM34.2 million will be allocated for the following:
- RM21.5 million for the development of agricultural infrastructure
- RM11 million for farm road development programme
- RM1.7 million for the establishment of collection, processing and packaging centres (CPPCs) or agrofood terminal
The Sarawak government also reiterated their commitment to empower its agricultural and fisheries communities, with the following allocations for farmers and agropreneurs:
- RM17 million for the Crop Development Programme
- RM6.1 million for the Agriculture Promotion Programme
- RM2.7 million for the Farm Mechanisation Programme
- RM800,000 for the Food Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Programme
- RM25 million for the Oil Palm Replanting Programme under Salcra
- RM4.8 million for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Programme
- RM10.8 million for the Livestock Development and Veterinary Services Programme
At the same time, Abang Johari also said that the State government will continue to empower its agropreneurs and rural communities to enhance agricultural productivity and development through key initiatives such as the Agriculture Facilitation Fund (AFF) and the AFF Jaya Tani Programme.
He said since the inception of AFF, RM265 million has been disbursed, and as of October this year, RM247 million has been expended, benefiting about 182,000 participants.
“Under the AFF Jaya Tani programme, a total of RM50 million has been allocated. To date, RM19.7 million has been spent. An additional sum of RM5 million will be allocated under this budget to supplement the remaining balance carried forward from the previous year for continuation of the programme,” he said.
In addition, he said that RM6.5 million will be allocated to Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Sarawak (State Farmers’ Organisation Sarawak) and Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan (Area Farmers’ Organisation) to strengthen farmers’ organisations and enhance their roles and efficiency. — DayakDaily
