KUCHING, July 7: Sarawak welcomes investors to introduce modern farming methods which will increase yields and have these products exported to Singapore and beyond.
According to a press release today by Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos), on July 4, 2022 in Singapore, Sarawak, through its government agency Sarawak Land Development Board (SLDB), and Singapore’s Sky Urban Solutions Holding Pte Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop modern agricultural projects in Sarawak.
“These modern agricultural facilities are much more appealing to the younger generation of farmers, as well as reduces manpower, increases productivity, and ensures environmental sustainability,” Statos stated.
It revealed Sky Urban’s modern farming is a relatively new and a high-density approach to profitable and reliable farming.
Widely recognised as a pioneer and leading developer of technology in the field of vertical farming, Sky Urban’s patented cultivation system had won several local and international design awards and it is a major player in Singapore’s quest to boost local food production.
“This technology uses green urban solutions to produce fresh and safe vegetables while taking up minimal land, water, and energy resources.
“Other notable advantages include the fact that vertical farms can be used anywhere because they do not require large tracts of arable land, and that such a system is not limited to vegetables but can also be used for fish and shrimp farming in a controlled environment,” Statos explained.
Furthermore, Statos pointed out, Sarawak has vast land and water resources and is located on Borneo island, which is relatively free of natural disasters.
“What Sarawak needs are investors in our agricultural sector, which includes aquaculture and livestock farming,” it added.
Statos noted the current global food supply disruption and crisis have bolstered interest among many nations to increase their own supplies and also to diversify their sources of food.
“This is no different to Sarawak, which has a population of approximately 2.8 million.
“The current supply chain and logistics disruptions have echoed the need for Sarawak to relook at its own food production so as not to be too dependent on imports.
“Sarawak has the potential to become a major producer and exporter of food products with the right strategy and planning,” it added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak’s Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development (Manred) Dato Sri Stephen Rundi welcomed investors to Sarawak and invited them to bring technology to transform the State’s agriculture sector.
“Singapore is welcome to take advantage of the available resources and incentives that Sarawak provides.
“At the same time, Singapore can assist us in achieving our 2030 vision.
“To ensure a win-win transformation of our traditional farming community into agropreneurs, we encourage the local farmers to adapt to changes and new technologies,” Dr Rundi said.
He added that this will help improve household income to RM6,000 per month by the end of 2030.
In addition, Statos chief executive officer (CEO) Chew Chang Guan highlighted that the MOU signing is a significant step forward, and that at least two other Singaporean companies are in discussions with Statos to establish agri-food production hubs in Sarawak.
The Manred delegation to Singapore consisted of Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment (Mintred) Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Deputy Minister for Manred (Modernisation of Agriculture) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Deputy Minister for Manred (Regional Development) Martin Ben, Manred permanent secretary Datu Edwin Abit, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, and Department of Agriculture (DOA) director Dominic Chunggat. — DayakDaily
