SPAOH: Betong’s plan to be a major food and food products producer in Sarawak is leveraging on a perfect start and advantages, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He highlighted the crucial role of Green World Genetics (GWG), a leading seed research, development, and production company from the Peninsular, which has recently established operations in the Spaoh.
“We are very fortunate that we have now the Green World Genetics( GWG) company which has started its core business of researching, developing and producing high quality tropical fruits and vegetables seeds on a 27.59 hectares plot at Simpang Debak since three years ago.
“Among the vegetables, fruits and crops they have chosen are cucumber, long bean, papaya, corn and paddy. The company is also marketing these seeds worldwide.
“In Betong Division and notably in Bukit Saban, we see a lot of potential in this new industry of seed production. The markets for high quality seed are also big and such seeds are quite costly,” he said.
He said this after presenting minor rural development grants totalling RM1.1 million to various organisations, schools and village and security committees here yesterday.
Recognising the potential in seed production, particularly in Bukit Saban, Uggah said that GWG will act as an anchor company for seed supply.
He said plans include engaging local stallholders as contract farmers, with the company providing necessary training and ensuring proper processing and packaging for international markets.
“Together with the Agriculture Department here, we will identify those interested, from our local farmers. We hope to start with an initial batch of 50 this year,” he said.
Uggah stressed the significant potential of this new industry and urged its full exploration and utilisation.
Meanwhile, on whether farmers would be receptive to this concept, Uggah said a number of them had visited the Simpang Debak station and were mesmerised by the developments there.
“Some farmers here had started their own modern agriculture endeavours with quite promising results, and GWG which is a Malaysian owned company had done a lot of activities in the Peninsular.
“The management has indicated to us they want to expand further in the state. We are looking at Sesang in Betong in collaboration with the Agriculture Department.” Uggah said.
Also present was Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu who allocated RM87,000 to various organisations, schools and village and security committees in the area.
