KUCHING: The Sarawak Agro Fund (SAF) which was established in 2017 has continued to offer grants and loans to help entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector to start or expand their business.
Deputy Minister II for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Martin Ben said many had benefitted from the fund since it was introduced.
“Therefore, we want to encourage more of the younger generation to venture into farming using technologies and precision farming.
“And, this is where the SAF can definitely help in this area. Those interested can also come to my ministry or the Department of Agriculture to find out more about the fund.”
He said this during the opening of the Gardenscapes Sarawak 2022: A Gardening and Farming Expo at CityOne Megamall on Friday (March 25).
Commenting further on SAF, he said that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had recently allocated a total of RM100mil for the fund in an effort to further develop and modernise the state’s agriculture sector.
He acknowledged that the conditions were quite strict when it comes to applying for the SAF.
“I do agree that it is quite strict (to apply for SAF), but this is because we want to see the impact of it as we want to help farmers in expanding their business. That is our focus.
“Everyone knows that agriculture and farming is not an easy job, it requires hard work even though there is assistance. And the assistance is to reduce the burden of these farmers.
“The concept of ‘mentor-mentee’ is implemented to provide guidance for those who are still new in the field of agriculture or just about to start their business.
“From there, they will be guided by someone who is already experienced.”
Meanwhile, the three-day expo organised by Place Borneo aimed at gathering gardening and farming experts, entrepreneurs, and plant enthusiasts.
Place Borneo chief executive officer Mona Manap said that the aim was to not only encourage gardening and urban farming as a hobby but also as a small business or another way to supplement the income.
“We also want to create a more attractive business ecosystem for the younger generation to get involved in farming with new technology and more sustainable methods with the help of the state government.”
