THE Sarawak government has allocated substantial funds for farm roads and infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity and support local farmers.
Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom said this in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on May 14.
“For this year, the Department of Agriculture Sarawak received RM28.7 million for 124 farm road projects spanning 119 kilometres, benefiting 1,300 farmers.
“The Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID) Sarawak secured RM42 million for 216 MARRIS drainage and irrigation projects, with 11 completed, 102 under construction and 103 in planning.
“Additionally, RM2.15 million from the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development is funding nine projects under the Program Jalan Ladang Pertanian, currently in the planning phase,” he said.
DID was also allocated RM6.097 million for 16 projects under the Program Jalan Ladang Pekebun Kecil by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities. One project is ongoing and 15 are being planned.
He added that the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) received RM5.7 million for nine farm road projects totaling 34 kilometres, now in the tendering stage.
Similarly in the state’s Food Basket Area, DID was granted RM153 million for 11 projects, with five completed, three under construction, and three in the final design stage.
An additional RM74 million has been approved for five rakyat projects, with one completed and others in the design stage.
“The Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) allocated RM 816 million to DID for 17 major and 354 minor projects, with 278 completed by April 2024.
“The Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA) approved RM136.25 million for new and rehabilitated drainage and irrigation areas, all in the design stage. The Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) allocated RM92 million for new areas and RM13 million for farm road upgrades.
“Under the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), RM149.7 million is designated for nine projects, all in planning.
“Lastly, RM165 million has been approved under M-FICORD Alternative Funding for three new drainage and irrigation areas, also in planning,” he said.
