BETONG: The development and introduction of new technology in the pepper industry can increase the productivity and income of farmers who depend on this commodity.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the new technology that will be developed will become a new lifeline for the industry.
“I was told by Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) Director General Vincent Sawat that they are doing this.
“MPB is carrying out pilot projects to apply Internet of Things (IoT) and modern methods like fertigation in Semengok in Kuching and in Sarikei.
“This industry is very important to the state and the rural farmers who have long depended on commodities to get income,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after officiating the Randau Pemansang Pepper Industry Betong division in Betong here Friday.
According to him, this new technology is expected to harvest about four kilogrammes (kg) of pepper berries per vine compared to currently, on average, two kilos.
“This development will definitely help the farmers. Moreover, with the new technology available, it may be able to attract young farmers who will plant new crops with better quality and more quantity.
“We also want to help existing farmers tide over the cyclical downturn in the market price so that they can maintain their farm,” he said.
In supporting the development, he noted that the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) has allocated a total of RM3 million to assist in the further development of the industry here.
“We are complementing the efforts of MPB and the Department of Agriculture. We want to encourage more young people to get involved in this field,” he said.
Uggah also presented MPB grants amounting to RM1.7 million to various categories of pepper growers and producers in Betong Division.
Also at the programme were Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu.
