KUCHING: There are two pertinent issues that must be overcome in developing and positioning Sarawak’s agriculture sector for the state’s overall economic development.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that the two issues are production and market access which need to be addressed in efforts to increase productivity and quality.
He said the state government is giving emphasis on both matters such as agriculture as one of the engines of growth for Sarawak’s economy.
“Agriculture has to be defined as sustainable whereby we are not only producing crops, but we have to embrace the latest technology in terms of production.
“It is the state government’s policy to take advantage of our ample land where we have developed and identified lands that are suitable for certain crops.
“We want to have this focus so that it will give returns that are not only profitable, but provide revenues for the farmers and community as well,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the Congress on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (COSAFS 2022) at The Waterfront Hotel on Wednesday (Sept 21).
Abang Johari pointed out that technology is key and agriculture cannot be seen as a poor man’s job, thus there is a need to change the perception on the traditional agriculture industry.
He said the state government is giving emphasis on digital transformation in agriculture to allow the utilisation of Internet of Things (IoT) to upgrade the production process.
“Farmers can now be in the office, but they can control their farm with digital devices. This is why it is important for us to build up digital infrastructures in order to allow IoT to be deployed.
“The digital infrastructure will allow farmers to manage their farm with digital devices in real time, this is the way forward for us to develop,” he said.
On the establishment of agro parks in Sarawak, Abang Johari said countries like Singapore has expressed great interests given that they are unable to rely on their existing outlet.
He said the quality of crops produced at agro parks would be assured especially with countries like Singapore having a high standard for quality.
“Once you are able to meet the high standard, you can export to other countries as well.
“This is how we will do it together with our partners, in other words your production must be well calculated, your market access is identified, and it must be sustainable.
“We want to become a net food exporter to the region, not only in Malaysia – we have the advantage of land and power,” he said.
