SARAWAK is expected to spend a significant amount under the State Budget for next year to boost the state’s agricultural sector.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the government’s strategy involves attracting private investment and implementing various initiatives.
He asserted the government is allocating substantial funds to advance agroparks, with RM23 million dedicated to completing Package 3 of the Sungai Baji Agropark in Sarikei.
Two additional agroparks, Asajaya and Parit Bugis, will receive RM2.5 million each, while RM4 million is earmarked for essential infrastructure development at Bebuling Agropark in Betong.
Sarawak is also set to witness the establishment of new agro parks, including Gedong-Semalatong, Simanggang, and Dalat.
“(A total of) RM200,000 each will be allocated for preliminary works. In addition, a sum of RM53.6 million has been set aside for the development of Lubok Tamang Agropark in Betong Division, of which RM18 million will be required in 2024,” he said.
He said this when tabling the Supply Bill on the first day of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Monday (Nov 20).
On the same note, to boost shrimp production, he said RM5 million will be invested in upgrading Loba Stoh Aquaculture Park in Rambungan.
Abang Johari who is also the Finance and New Economy Minister added that RM500,000 will support the development of an aquaculture park at Samariang Batu, Kuching, to enhance inland fisheries.
Meanwhile, to accelerate the development of modern farming in Sarawak, he said the state government has approved a sum of RM60 million to implement the Precision Farming Park at Sg. Sebiew in Bintuluand in Kabuloh, Miri.
He said the development of these modern agriculture parks is expected to commence in 2024 with an allocation of RM14 million. These parks are expected to attract greater involvement from youth and agropreneurs.
The Sarawak government is also actively embracing smart agriculture, allocating RM500,000 for Internet of Things (IoT) implementation and RM2.5 million for mechanisation and automation in oil palm estates.
Additionally, the Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister said that Semenggok and Tarat SARTECH will receive RM3 million and RM12.5 million, respectively, in 2024.
“To date, Tarat SARTECH has approved its first tenant, which is a joint venture project between the State Farmers’ Organisation and a local investor to produce shallots,” he shared.
To this end, Abang Johari said the government continues its commitment to smallholders and farmers, allocating RM20 million for various crop development programmes and projects, along with an additional RM5 million for inland fisheries and aquaculture development.
On the other hand, a sum of RM23 million is set aside for capacity-building initiatives, including agricultural training, extension, mechanisation, and automation.
“Additionally, a total of RM27 million will also be allocated in this Budget to carry out livestock and veterinary programmes.”
