SERIAN: A total of 182 Tebedu constituents here received livestock and agriculture assistance today.
Of the number, 68 were recipients of livestock projects and 144, agriculture projects.
The handover ceremony was officiated at by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at Tayung Langui Hall, Kampung Pichin.
Uggah said the allocation approved for both the livestock and agriculture projects amounted to RM1,381,265.
Of the total, RM790,000 was for livestock and RM591,265, for agriculture.
The assistance was given as part of the RM265mil Agriculture Facilitation Fund (AFF) approved by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“This is because (the chief minister) wanted to show that focus should be given to change the fate of rural dwellers.
“So that tomorrow is easier than today, and the day after tomorrow will be easier than tomorrow,” said Uggah.
He also emphasised the importance of modern technology in increasing the productivity of farmers and simultaneously increase their income.
“So we have given priority to precision farming as we want to increase livestock and agriculture (production) and we are using that to increase the income of people in rural areas.
“We have our mechanism or strategy to work out the anchor company to make sure that the products will increase in number.”
Uggah, who is also Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister, said the whole supply chain related to agriculture and livestock had to be solved as well to ensure that the produce could be marketed.
“At the same time we must make sure our products meet international market quality.
“And we also must make sure that our cost can be reduced and our productivity can be increased so that our quality will be enhanced.
“That’s why the veterinary and agriculture departments are to enhance their extension services.
“This is because we are not only competing in Sarawak and in Malaysia, but also competing internationally with neighbouring countries,” he explained.
Also present were Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong, Assistant Agriculture Native Land and Regional Development Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben and Serian Resident Tuah Suni.
