by Jaythaleela K
MIRI, July 13: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas gives the assurance that the Sarawak Government will undertake the rehabilitation of all 140 agriculture stations across the state as part of its commitment to transform the agriculture sector.
Uggah disclosed that his ministry will seek special funds from the State government for the purpose of upgrading these dilapidated agriculture stations.
“For the time being, Uggah said he was clueless of the amount required but stressed that he was determined to seek special fundings to make sure that the plan materialised.
“Uggah who is also Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development told the press on Friday night at Sarawak Department of Agriculture Appreciation Night held at a leading hotel here.
“The last three years, I noticed that these agriculture rehabilitation stations are in dilapidated conditions and needed to be upgraded, and we need to bring them up in order to have a place to display our agricultural development and various crops besides increasing domestic production to meet demand,” he explained.
Uggah acknowledged that this was a serious issue that needed to be resolved as soon as possible.
“It is a problem, for example agriculture station in Kabuloh (Miri), we have 600 trees of Durians there. It is a farmed environment area which can be further developed into tourist attractions,” he said.
“We want each region (in Sarawak) to have a research facility,” he said.
Uggah also updated on the progress of the Long Lama collection, processing and packaging centre (CCPC) project.
“The fund to build up the centre is already with the Public Works department (JKR), as the implementing agency for the project, and I hope the centre will be implemented as soon as possible,” he explained.
The CCPC, once completed will boost the production and collection of local produce , especially fruits for a bigger scale market, he said.
During the event, a total 148 of the Sarawak Agriculture Department staff across the State were awarded with excellence awards (APC), while 70 who will retire within this year, were given certificates of appreciation for their services.
Also present at the appreciation night were Assistant Minister for Local Government and Housing Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus, Sibuti Member of Parliament Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Piasau Assemblyman cum Sarawak United Peoples’ Party Sec-gen Datuk Sebastian Ting and department of agriculture acting director Dr Alvin Chai. — DayakDaily
