By DayakDaily Team
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Feb 4: Sarawak’s orchids have significant potential to be developed into downstream products that could boost community economic development while supporting the State’s green technology initiatives.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Sarawak, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, who is also the advisor to the Sarawak Orchid Society (SARORSO), said the State is home to over 1,300 orchid species, opening opportunities in research as well as the production of cosmetics, food and beverages.
“Since its establishment about 10 years ago, SARORSO has implemented numerous community-focused initiatives.
“These activities not only benefit the local community but are also crucial in conserving orchid species that are at risk of extinction if not properly preserved and propagated,” he said during an official visit to the SABAKI Orchid Nursery in Tanjung Tuang yesterday (Feb 4), as reported by TVS.
Meanwhile, SARORSO patron Dayang Norjihan Abang Johari said the visit provided a platform to explore innovative and sustainable approaches that could add value to Sarawak’s agricultural sector.
“The visit aims to strengthen collaboration between SARORSO and the Sarawak government, as the State is among the largest producers and planters of orchids.
“We also have many wild orchid species that have yet to be discovered, introduced or promoted internationally,” she said.
Dayang Norjihan added that SARORSO is working with researchers to find the best methods to save threatened orchid species, ensuring they can be replanted for various uses.
Innovative orchid-based products already developed include Sarawak Orchid Tea, orchid chocolates and orchid pickles.
Following the SABAKI Farm tour, the delegation visited the Juma’ani In Vitro Orchid Micropropagation Centre (JIVOM) at MRSM Kuching to observe research, conservation and commercialisation methods for local orchids using tissue culture technology.
During the visit, Datuk Len and the SARORSO delegation were briefed on the production of in vitro orchid seedlings, nursery management and efforts to conserve Sarawak’s endemic orchid species. – DayakDaily
