DEBAK, Oct 5: The pineapple, banana and coconut in Saribas have been listed as among the new agricultural potentials which are good for commercialisation.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said other agricultural produce in Saribas which are suitable for commercialisation include ginger, chilli and livestock rearing.
“Among the new agricultural potentials in Saribas are pineapple, banana and coconut commercial cultivation. There are other crops like ginger, chilli and in livestock rearing.
“Farmers must learn to diversify their activities to avoid the pains of commodity price drop,” he said when launching the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) at Rh. Kamarau in Munggu Prin here today.
On the marketing of the agricultural produce, Uggah who is also Modernisation Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister, said this was an integral part of modern farming and the government would assist the farmers on that.
At the same time, Uggah who is Second Finance Minister said the state government has approved the setting up of an agropark at Lubok Tamang in Saribas with an area of 1,400 hectares.
“This is a golden opportunity for those interested in modern farming. We welcome those from nearby longhouses and kampung to apply for suitable farming lots,” he added.
Uggah said more details about the new agropark would be made known to the locals soon.
At the local level, he said the Area Farmers’ Organisation served as a buyer for agricultural produce by farmers but the Modernisation Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Ministry is looking at appointing anchor companies with international marketing links.
Uggah said the future looks bright for Sarawak as a number of its products had now penetrated the Singapore and China markets.
At the function, Uggah announced a sum of RM500,000 from the Agriculture Facilitation Fund to help Saribas assemblyman Mohd Razi Sitam to carry out more agriculture programmes and activities in his constituency.
In his speech, Mohd Razi expressed his appreciation to Uggah and the state government for agreeing to set up an agropark at Lubok Tamang.
Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat and a political secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Richard Rapu were among those present at the function. —DayakDaily
