KOTA SAMARAHAN: The newly constructed Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Sarawak (PPNS) building is set to transform opportunities for local farmers, offering improved facilities to access lucrative markets.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the new facilities will empower farmers by providing them with guidance on managing their sales efficiently and expanding their market reach.
“Sarawak has over 9,600 products, and more farmers are encouraged to sell their goods through the platforms provided by PPNS.
“PPNS cannot turn away any farmer. We have to assess each one’s potential, then we can advise which products have the greatest marketability,” he said during a media briefing after his visit to the new PPNS building on Thursday (Sept 5).
“Some products require a consistent supply, whether they are seasonal or available year-round, to ensure that farmers can still benefit.
“For example, durians and other fruits are seasonal, but once we have these seasonal fruits, we must go downstream and process them. This way, sales can continue throughout the year,” he added.
The new PPNS building, which spans approximately 5.84 acres, will serve as a one-stop centre for agricultural retail and downstream activities.
An additional two acres have been allocated for future expansion. Phase two of the development will include a warehouse, cold rooms, export facilities, and open areas for events like agro-fairs.
Dr Rundi stressed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that those involved in agriculture in Sarawak have access to a complete supply chain, from production to retail.
“PPNS has been tasked with assisting the government to ensure that our agricultural resources, such as crops, are not wasted,” he said.
PPNS is also planning to establish a warehouse for agricultural inputs and transportation, cold storage for farmers’ products, and an export facility with customs clearance.
By 2025, the centre will also feature an open space for festivals and events.
The new building includes facilities such as an e-Kedai Peladang, a hall, a business centre, a seedling courtyard, agri-input kiosks, a farmer’s market, a sales gallery, a cafeteria, and a prayer room.
Additionally, PPNS will host a monthly farmer’s market to promote local produce.
The building is set to be officially launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Sept 25.
Present during the visit were PPNS general manager Gom Roway and deputy general manager Gloria Nanang.
