KUCHING: Sarawak is looking into the feasibility of changing the name of the state’s Department of Agriculture to Department of Food Industry.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is in line with ensuring the agriculture industry remains relevant.
“Now, we have the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak (MFICORD). So, in my personal view, we have to explore this (renaming of the Department of Agriculture).
“This is because sometimes there is a mindset that agriculture is farm culture. Thus, we want to change a little so that we can produce farm managers which is better in the realm of business,” he said.
He said this in a press conference after officiating at the first International Conference on Biotechnology, Smart Farming, and Entrepreneurship for Food Security (BioSFE) 2023 at Riverside Majestic Hotel here on Monday (Sept 25).
Abang Johari said emphasis must also be put into changing the mindset of how agriculture activities work today especially with the adoption and usage of modern technology.
“We have to change the mindset from traditional subsistence farming whereby farming is just to support the farmer’s and their family’s livelihood to a more corporate mindset in carrying out agriculture activities.
“We can still preserve the traditional way of farming but at the same time there is a need to adapt to situations and changes,” he said.
When asked when the renaming of the department will materialise, Abang Johari said discussions will be held with MFICORD.
“We will discuss and look into when is the right time to change the department’s name to the Department of Food Industry.
