By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, May 20: Green Breeders Sdn Bhd director and veterinarian Dr Ng Siew Thiam is of the opinion that small-scale pig farming in rural Sarawak could help in the recovery of the pig industry in Sarawak, provided African Swine Fever (ASF) is under control.
“If ASF is under control, small-scale rural producers and village farmers could contribute to the industry shortages in rural Sarawak as there are many consumers in these areas.
“Therefore, do not underestimate small producers and village farmers’ capability to help the industry,” he said to DayakDaily.
Dr Ng shared that there are many people rearing pigs in the rural areas, which could ease supply issues in rural Sarawak.
“But it must be manageable and free of ASF to ensure sustainability in rural and small towns in Sarawak while the whole industry is recovering,” he said.
He also suggested growing feeders from crops such as sweet potato and tapioca to cut production costs.
“These tropical plants, once harvested and processed, could be consumed by pigs. They are cheap, and we do not have to use imported feeders like corn,” he said, citing Nigeria, which found success in rearing pigs that feed on locally-grown sweet potatoes and tapioca.
“We do not have to follow whatever the Westerners are doing. Importing those feeders does not mean that they cannot be replaced by something local. Be sustainable and don’t rely on foreign feeders,” he said.
Dr Ng added that with Sarawak’s vast area of land, farmers could easily plant large quantities of crops to be turned into feeders for the pigs.
Meanwhile, in inculcating the spirit of entrepreneurship among the rural community in Saratok and getting the support of his family, J&S Enterprise proprietor Simon John is one eager and enterprising young man who took over his father’s small pig-rearing farm at Lot 3 Block 4 Awik-Krian Land District.
Simon said that his farm could produce pigs for his regular customers on festive occasions like Gawai Dayak and Christmas, and his farm could sell more than 30 pigs to customers.
“These are individuals in the surrounding area who usually book in advance before the festive period. This way, we also help local pig suppliers, and there is still pork in supply during the period. We also supply for weddings and other ceremonies and events,” he said.
Simon said he fed his animals copra cake and leftover rice.
“Apart from selling pork, my farm also sells piglets,” he said. — DayakDaily
