By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 27: Sago has been recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations as one of the staple foods that will enhance food security.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Ministry thus committed to unlocking the full potential of Sago and Nipah industry through Sago and Nipah Development Board (SNDB).
Sarawak currently has 28,121 hectares of sago areas throughout Sarawak, a decline of 7.5 per cent from the 30,393 hectares in 2023.
Despite so, Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi said Sarawak’s export performance remains strong.
“In 2024, the export volume of sago starch increased by 10 per cent to 38,500 metric tonnes compared to 35,000 metric tonnes in 2023.
“Although export value dropped slightly by 4.02 per cent to RM107.5 million due to global price changes, the higher volume reflects continual strong demand in international markets,” said Dr Rundi when delivering his ministerial winding up speech during Sarawak Legislative Assembly here today.
As for nipah, he said the ministry has identified more than 110,000 hectares of wild-growing nipah palms along Sarawak’s riverbanks.
“These offer great potential not just for production of gula apong and nipah vinegar, but also for bioethanol and blue carbon projects,” he said.
Moving forward, a structured and strategic interventions need to be carried out to address production challenges such as low productivity, aging smallholders, poor infrastructure, limited value chains, lack of gazetted areas, and restricted access to markets and technology.
He said, currently SNDB is implementing four physical development projects under the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), which focus on infrastructure and facility upgrades to support long-term industry growth.
In addition, a statewide registration and verification exercise for sago and nipah smallholders is also being carried out in order to gather accurate data for effective planning and development of the industry.
Meanwhile, SNDB is also collaborating with Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) and CRAUN Research to map cultivation areas utilizing AI technology in identifying actual sago and nipah zones to facilitate future land gazettement and targeted development.
“SNDB will also continue to strengthen collaboration with research bodies, academic institutions, and the private sector to drive innovation, technology transfer, product commercialization, and value-added
industry growth,” said Dr Rundi. — DayakDaily
