SERIAN: Mongkos has potential to be developed as a commercial agriculture area, says Deputy Minister II for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Martin Ben.
He said the state government would work to change from traditional agriculture, which is still being practiced, to modern agriculture, which utilises technology.
“We will recommend this to the local communities, to consolidate their lands to be used commercially by foreign investors to generate higher income,” Martin said when visiting areas in Mongkos here on Wednesday (April 20).
According to Sarawak Public Communications Unit, Martin also urged government agencies, such as the Agriculture Department, to have a dialogue with local communities to explain more about this plan.
“We want to hear their feedback as well as educate them regarding commercialisation.
“This can be realised as the areas have good infrastructure and are strategic as well as have resources like water,” said the Kedup assemblyman.
Earlier, Martin visited the Paya Mending drainage scheme at Kampung Bunan, the Tagang project at Kampung Terbat and a few areas around Mongkos.
Also present were Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Ministry permenant secretary Datuk Edwin Abit and acting Sarawak Agriculture Department director Dominic Chunggat.
