KUCHING: The Sarawak government remains committed to developing the pepper industry in its effort to further spur the agriculture economy.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi said the state’s pepper industry must be developed because pepper in Sarawak is of premium quality and come in different variations such as white, creamy or black pepper.
“We try to diversify our crops, we have to ensure food security, that includes paddy crops, livestocks and a few more.
“The government must look at how we can create a complete supply chain for other crops, one of them is pepper, rubber, coconut and pineapple among others,” he said.
He was speaking to the reporters after witnessing the signing of licence agreement between the Government of Sarawak represented by Department of Agriculture Sarawak and Saribas Area Farmer’ Organisation at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex on Monday (November 21).
Another signing of agreement between Saribas Area Farmer’s Organisation with Carus Pepper Sdn Bhd was also held to expand the pepper industry in Saribas.
Dr Rundi who is Kemena assemblyman said that the signing of licence agreement is a significant event for the Sarawak government which would ensure supply of quality pepper produced in Saribas.
Meanwhile, Dr Rundi urged University students studying in local or universities abroad to not just earn money but make money.
“One of the ways to make money is through modern farming, IoT (Internet of Things), and smart-farming. I think we are heading in that direction,” he said.
