KUCHING: The Ministry of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development is formulating a mechanism to further enhance the agriculture sector in Sarawak.
Its minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the support mechanism would feature the setting up of venture capital, technical advice as well as a centre of excellence in which exemplary farm models could be replicated throughout the state.
As such, the ministry also intends to establish more centres that collect, package and process in certain parts of Sarawak especially for fruit based products like durian, pomelo and more.
“Our nett import in 2018 is RM3.8 billion and we have identified the various crops and products which can be produced in Sarawak.
“With the state government’s emphasis on agriculture, I’m very confident that we will have a very bright future for the sector.
“This means jobs and business opportunities for all ages especially the young people,” said Uggah after the launch of tilapia fish export to Singapore held at Sea Horse Corporation Sdn Bhd in Pending Industrial Estate, here yesterday.
He pointed out that Sarawak was trying to emulate New Zealand’s agricultural sector as the country has a human population of five million with a food production capacity for 40 million people.
“That is our direction,” he said, adding that this would open up opportunities for the youth.
“I wish to call on all Sarawakians to rise to the chief minister’s call to get involved in precision
agriculture towards the state’s objective of being a nett exporter by 2030.”
