KUCHING: The construction of road networks in Pakan will allow more agricultural products from the area to be marketed at the agriculture collection, processing and packaging centre (CPPC).
Pakan assemblyman Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom said the upgrading of the Ulu Paku/Ulu Gerenjang/Ulu Krian/Ulu Budu/Pakan road will also provide access to the short take-off and landing airport (STOLport) in Bebuling, Spaoh.
“With the existence of the airport there, farmers in Pakan area will be able to enjoy the marketing facilities and directly sell the products to the international markets,” he said in conjunction with the National Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen Day which is celebrated on Aug 6.
Mawan said Pakan community welcomed the recent announcement by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to transform Pakan into a modern township through the Pakan New Development Plan.
“This master plan will see the construction of new government offices, housing, commercial centres and recreational areas,” he said.
Mawan added that the master plan would also help improve the agricultural development in Pakan and its surrounding areas.
“My hope as Pakan elected representative is that the farmers will continue their efforts in adopting modern farming and breeding technologies.
“This is because the market now needs high quality products and to achieve that, it needs the use of technology,” he said.
He pointed out that Pakan which is located in the Bukit Sadok Agropolitan area and close to Betong-Sarikei ‘Food Basket’, could contribute to the downstream agriculture industry.
He added that the farmers, breeders and fishermen community were grateful to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government for the financial allocation and various initiatives to help these sectors.
“In particular, they have received a lot of help and advice from the agriculture related agencies such as Ministry of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Sarawak (Manred) and Sarawak Agriculture Department in the form of allocation and various courses conducted to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of modern agriculture,” he said.
