SIBU: Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) is collaborating with a local company, 899 Resources Sdn Bhd to implement a pilot agriculture hub at Jalan Teku Lama here.
The joint-venture project aims to improve the living standard of rural people by increasing their household income.
PSB president Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh officiated at the launch of the agriculture hub yesterday.
Wong said the pilot project was meant for Bumiputera farmers in the Bawang Assan areas.
“We will provide training and conduct workshops for the farmers to ensure good agricultural practices for healthy crops and plan crop rotation so that there is no oversupply of vegetables or crops in the local markets.
“Eventually we will set up a collection centre to receive and market the products,” he said.
Wong revealed that crops selected for planting at the pilot project included chilli, cucumber, pumpkin, terung asam, sweet corn and lady’s finger.
Once the pilot project is proven viable, it would be expanded to other areas statewide.
Wong also said that the joint-venture company has started planting sacha inchi on a commercial scale at Empawah area.
Sacha Inchi is a plant that produces edible seeds, rich in Omega 6 and 9, fatty acids, protein, and other substances such as Vitamin E among others. It is one of the richest sources of Omega 3 which helps reduce cardiovascular diseases and is good for general physical and mental health.
“We are also in discussion with two universities for a joint research on the planting of sacha inchi in Sarawak. An announcement will be made once the agreement has been finalised,” he explained.
