THE Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) is establishing a 200-hectare Napier grass farm for ruminant feed, with 12 hectares already planted in Serian and Bau.
Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that a 78-hectare expansion site in Roban, Saratok, has been identified, and SALCRA is collaborating with local farmers to grow Napier grass to meet the demand.
“Currently, eight active Napier farmers in Serian are supplying Napier grass to SALCRA’s Cattle Breeding and Fattening Centre in Mayang.
“Once the above-mentioned facilities are completed, SALCRA will establish its own formulated animal feed mill with an annual production capacity of 100,000 metric tonnes in Saratok.
“This initiative is expected to reduce the importation of maize and animal feed by approximately 30,000 metric tonnes, equivalent to RM84 million. The total cost of implementing this animal feed initiative is estimated at RM200 million,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech today (Nov 19).
Dr Rundi added that to enhance the animal feed sector, the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), through its subsidiary, is currently conducting the testing and commissioning of its cattle feed factory located in Sibu.
“It is anticipated that feed production will commence in the first quarter of 2025, with a production capacity of 12 metric tonnes per day,” he said.
Besides that, he mentioned that i-CATS University College is collaborating with Koperasi Agromakanan Kampung Kaba, Saratok, to produce animal feed from local biomass.
“In relation to this, eight acres of land have been identified for Napier planting, which will begin in January 2025. A total sum of RM500,000 has been approved for this project,” he said.
