LUNDU: The coffee cultivation initiative under the AFF Jaya Tani programme in Kampung Pasir Hulu here is expected to be successful and generate good returns for farmers as well as the local community, says Opar state assemblyman, Billy Sujang.
He added that the initiative would not only strengthen the local coffee industry but also improve the socio-economic well-being of smallholders and farming families in rural areas.
“I hope this coffee cultivation project will succeed and bring meaningful and sustainable returns to the farmers and the surrounding community,” he said when officiating the project on Wednesday (Jan 21).
The project, implemented by the Sarawak Department of Agriculture, involves the development of a centralised coffee planting area of about 50 hectares and is seen as an early step towards establishing a coffee belt in Sarawak.
A total of 52 residents from Kampung Pasir Hulu have been identified and have shown strong interest and commitment to participate in commercial coffee cultivation, including involvement in downstream activities such as processing and agri-entrepreneurship.
Billy encouraged local farmers to work closely with the implementing agencies and to learn from the experience of farmers in Kampung Stenggang, who have already shown encouraging progress in coffee cultivation.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to champion the needs of smallholders in the area by seeking government assistance to support participants involved in the project.
A working paper has also been submitted to seek a total allocation of RM2,013,893.28 over a two-year period, covering plantation development, planting materials, agricultural inputs, participant training and the procurement of coffee processing machinery.
