KUCHING: Sarawak’s agriculture sector contributed RM16.5 billion or 12.4 per cent of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) last year.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government expects the figure to rise to 15 per cent this year.
“This shows the agriculture sector is making good progress and is in line with Sarawak’s target to become a net exporter by the year 2030.
“The state government would like to see Sarawak become a global food producer, especially to our neighbouring countries,” he said in his speech at the official launch of Sarawak Agrofest 2019 here Friday.
To date, Sarawak’s food export value amounts to RM900 million, which is still far below its total food import value of RM4.7 billion.
In view of this, Abang Johari said the state government’s will continue to focus on agriculture as one of the state’s key areas in its development plans, with RM797 million allocated in Budget 2020 for the sector.
“The allocation will put our agriculture policies in motion, with new ones also introduced, such as Agro Park which will be between 20-30 acres in size and fully equipped with Internet of Things system.
“To me, this will suffice for the food industry, and I am confident this can be done. Secondly, the state government also provides venture capital through facilitation funds to develop these initiatives,” he said. – Bernama
