KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is confident the agriculture sector will contribute significantly to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by the year 2026 – 2027.
He said this in light of the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development actively embracing all agro-based industries and economic activities which create more downstream job opportunities.
“The world population is approximately 7 billion people, and it was predicted that it would be 10 billion by the year 2050. It was also predicted that the world would face a shortage of quality food.
“This is where we can play our part to produce quality food which will require manpower in various disciplines like dietitians and the need for more downstream activities,” he said.
He made these remarks at the ministry’s Ngiling Bidai Gawai Dayak event at Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom’s residence on Saturday (July 1).
As Sarawak explores new industries, Abang Johari said the state government is upgrading basic infrastructures such as road connectivity for market access as well as electricity and water supply at the same time.
“I believe by 2025 we will have covered basic infrastructures which we are doing with the budget from the state fund. We must be bold enough to spend money for our basic infrastructure which will give access to the ample spaces that we have for us to develop the food industry,” he said.
Abang Johari also said the state government is giving strong emphasis to research and development (R&D) for food production.
“Rice is a staple but nowadays, the doctors are saying that we should not eat too much rice because it is high in carbohydrates so there is a possibility of reduction in rice consumption in the future.
“As such, we are giving strong emphasis to R&D in terms of food production including paddy, fruits, fish and prawns which means our future as a food producer is bright.
“I have also allocated funding to Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu for the exploration of new technology on food and livestock,” he said.
