By Jacob Achoi
SERIAN, July 18: A sum of RM2.174 million, in the form of projects input, is allocated to 150 participants from Tarat, Kedup and Bukit Semuja constituencies for the rearing of livestock, pigs and swiflets.
The allocation, under the Agriculture Facilitation Programme (AFP), was the initiative of the state government to boost food production in Sarawak towards becoming nett food exported by 2030.
The handing over of the input was officiated by Assistant Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn at a hotel, here.
This is the third time that Sagah officiated a similar event, having held such an event in Kpg Chupak and Kpg Sarig in Padawan area.
“This handing over of projects input is the initiative of the state government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to help farmers to increase their income while at the same time helping the government to boost food production.
“So, it is hoped that the selected farmers be serious because the projects will be closely monitored,” the Tarat assemblyman reminded.
The projects, he said, would be monitored by the State Veterinary Services Department, which is also the implementing body, together with Sarawak Land Development Authority (SLDA).
Sagah also pointed out that the state has a great potential to have animal rearing for export, being free from Hand Foot and Mouth disease, highly pathogenic Avian Flu and African Swine Fever, adding that RM165 million live pigs, pork and chicken were exported last year.
Others present were Bukit Semuja and Kedup assemblymen, John Ilus and Martin Ben, respectively, SLDA general manager Siang Mandaw, Serian Resident Tuah Suni and State Veterinary director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud.-DayakDaily
