KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed the importance of adapting to modern technology to boost agricultural productivity, particularly in rice cultivation.
He said rice, being the staple food, requires innovative approaches for sustainable growth.
Citing Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi Utom, Abang Johari said the current challenge is not financial resources but adapting to technology.
“We must train our younger generation to use technology in farming, especially in cultivating rice, which is our staple food.
“Although Sarawak has been recognised as a high-income state by the World Bank, this status does not necessarily reflect the median household income of Sarawakians.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that as Sarawak achieves high-income status, its people also enjoy high household incomes. Otherwise, there will be a mismatch between the state’s income and the income of its people,” he said in his speech during the 100th-anniversary celebration of the Sarawak Agriculture Department at Raia Hotel last night (Nov 25).
The Premier asserted that the state government is actively working to increase household incomes, particularly in rural areas, by prioritising knowledge and education.
He emphasised that knowledge is key to transforming work methods and improving family income, warning that relying on outdated practices would lead to stagnation.
Abang Johari, who began his career as the Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Community Development, reflected on the substantial investments now being made in agriculture, contrasting them with the financial challenges faced in the past.
“When I was an assistant minister, even organising Farmers’ Day was difficult due to budget constraints.
“Today, we have allocated RM750 million for the Agriculture Department, including RM1 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan for water management schemes and infrastructure.
“By 2030, we aim to spend RM500 million on these initiatives,” he added.
He urged agricultural officers and communities to work together to enhance productivity through technology, such as using tractors and modern harvesting techniques.
“We, the ministers, are working hard to secure funds for development, while it is your responsibility to assist our farming communities.
“Use technology, modernise your methods, and send your children for STEM education to equip them with the knowledge needed for the future,” he said.
