SELANGAU: The Gabungan Parti (GPS) government in Sarawak supports the Agriculture Facilitation Fund (AFF) and assistance will be given to those who show interest and determination, said Kakus assemblyman Datuk John Sikie Tayai.
He gave the assurance during the launch of the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) at Rh Tuggang, Sungai Arip on Saturday (Sept 26).
Sikie advised the people to diversify their crops and apply Integrated Farming techniques so that if the price of a commodity fell, they could still rely on other crops or livestock.
“For example, oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB) in 2018 during Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) rule fell to below RM300 per tonne, and today, the price of oil palm (FFB) is more than RM500.
“Integrating oil palms with cattle or goats also brings lucrative yields and your income does not only depend on oil palm yields alone. Even the cattle on the farm can control the grass and reduce the cost of pesticides.
“Not only that, the rearing of kelulut (stingless bees) can generate lucrative results as the latest market price for Kelulut Honey is hundreds of ringgit per kilogramme.
“The rearing of the bees can also be integrated by placing ‘kelulut’ logs in fruit orchards or coconut plantations as the bees are also good pollination agents and will increase the crop yields.”
Sikie, who is also the Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Native Land and Customs), advised participants to choose crops with high market prices, such as ‘Terung Asam’.
Go find a market or sell your produce to supermarkets because the prices will be better without going through a middleman,” he said.
Sikie also highlighted that the courses held during AgriCOP programme were free.
“There are ways for the government to help farmers increase their incomes. The state government targets the income of a household to be not less than RM4,000 per month.
“Through courses like this, farmers and vegetable growers are taught the proper ways of planting as agricultural activities are among ways to improve the economy, especially for residents in rural areas.
“Various forms of assistance are provided by the government to farmers. Applicants should start their livestock or crops first upon applying for aid and assistance to grow them,” he said.
Sikie also revealed that the 7.8 km of SK Iban Union Road had just been completed. He said it was a project by the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“There are more ongoing developments under GPS. The government provided a large allocation for large-scale development projects in rural areas. Last year, the area also received electricity supply.
“These basic facilities are provided by state government to improve the socio-economic status of the people,” he explained.
Sikie also announced a Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant of RM24,000 for the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) of Rh Tuggang.
Also present at the launching ceremony were Selangau District Agriculture Officer, James Alow Bunya; general manager of Sibu Farmers Organisation, Sengalang Jawan; Tatau District Pemanca, Pemancha Gerosen Jubin and Penghulu Lasit Bajing.
