SERIAN: Sarawak is committed to providing infrastructure to develop modern agriculture at Tarat Agriculture Station (TAS), including Semenggoh Nature Reserve.
Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said TAS needed to improve its infrastructure to apply the smart farming method.
“I notice they need to enhance their facility in terms of type of water used to breed fish, electricity and Internet connectivity.
“They need good Internet connectivity in order for them to do smart farming, Internet of Things (IoT) and others.
“Financially, it is not easy to look after this place,” said Dr Rundi during a visit to TAS on Friday (Feb 25).
The Kemena assemblyman said the modernisation of agriculture required collaboration with interested parties and investors.
“Think on how to sustain (the place) in terms of funding. Be self-reliance, don’t depend on grants alone.”
Earlier, he was briefed on researches done by TAS, including agricultural seed production and ‘Empurau’ fish research and development.
“They have done a lot of research but (research) not being translated into full-fledged commercialisation.
“I want to see what would be the result and return so that we can duplicate it in other areas.
“If it’s research, how do they translate it into reality, business or commercialisation.
“If it’s commercialisation, what is the return? How much money do they make?
“We want to translate all of the research into money making (activities).
“It has to be profitable, otherwise don’t waste our time.”
Also present during the visit were Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben, Sarawak Agriculture director Dr Alvin Chai Lian Kuet and others.
