DEBAK, Nov 14: Saribas folk have been urged to become food producers by venturing into the cultivation of Musang King durian and livestock farming.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Saribas is part of the Betong food basket area.
Thus, he added the Sarawak government is preparing the necessary facilities including building a short takeoff and landing (STOL) port at Bebuling Atas for fast transportation of products both in and outside the country.
“We now have the fertigation and hydroponic programmes which are manageable for rural farmers.
“They do not require much manual labour but they can yield (crops) handsomely. We are also encouraging fruits like Musang King durian cultivation and livestock farming.
“Please check with your local agriculture offices for information and assistance,” Uggah said when officiating at the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) at Rh Snap Ujak, Sabar Asal here today.
Uggah, who is also the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, added there are many income-generating policies and programmes initiated by the Sarawak government for the rural folk at present and some would be in technology-based modern agriculture.
On politics, Uggah reiterated to the people in Saribas to continue supporting GPS.
“Saribas, for instance, has the tradition of being a state government fortress. I believe the tradition will be maintained this coming election. Let us all come in full force to give our support to GPS.
“This is one way to show our appreciation for what they have done to save us from the Covid-19 pandemic too,” he added.
Saribas incumbent Mohamad Razi Sitam, political secretary to the chief minister Dr Richard Rapu, and State Agriculture Department director Dr Alvin Chai were among those present at the event.
Apart from that, Uggah said rural folk in the state have enjoyed better standard of living due to the policies implemented by the GPS government.
Uggah added they have generated good income to allow them, among others, to construct modern concrete longhouses or individual houses.
He noted this was evident among the oil palm and pepper farmers.
“Now with oil palm fruit fetching over RM1,000 per tonne, many are earning good income,” he said. — DayakDaily
