KUCHING: Ruminant farming has great potential in Sarawak due to high local demand for meat.
Serembu assemblyman Datuk Miro Simuh, said as the state is heavily reliant of imports, with the self-sufficiency level (SSL) for beef/mutton hovering below 20 per cent, it leaves huge gap for local production.
In view of that, he has placed strong emphasis on developing ruminant farming in his constituency to help the state raise its SSL for beef/mutton to 25 per cent by 2030.
He noted that his initiative, though having started out small, is in line with Sarawak’s broader agenda to enhance food security and cushion the impact of fluctuating global prices in the long run.
“We cannot continue to depend heavily on imported meat. Any disruption in the global supply chain will directly affect prices and availability in our local market,” he said.
He stressed that Serembu possesses vast land resources and suitable conditions for livestock farming.
With proper planning and modern farming techniques, he believes Serembu can significantly play a role in helping to boost the state’s production of beef and mutton for the local market.
Among the initiatives being explored are the expansion of his own cattle, sheep, goat and deer breeding programmes, and the the Kampung Merembeh cattle breeding and fattening programme, a state-supported initiative under the Agricultural Facilitation Fund (AFF) to boost local beef self-sufficiency.
Miro is also driving a cattle rearing initiative under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), which will feature a RM15-million commercial cattle farm in Kampung Seromah, Bau.
The project aims to boost local beef production, utilising modern breeding techniques, planting Napier grass and incorporating local agriculture waste into feed to reduce import dependence.
“I’m trying my best to help the state increase its self-sufficient level for meat like beef, mutton or even pork and hopefully reduce its over dependence on imported meat.
“I really thank the Department of Veterinary Service Sarawak (DVSS) and the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity And Regional Development Sarawak (M-FICORD), which have so far supported our project very well.
“It’s only that we haven’t started with the state-supported project yet. Once we start, there will be something to see and everybody can learn from us, can feel our experience as we are going to share it with those who are interested to go into the meat production industry,” Miro said.
He expressed confidence that with strong collaboration between government agencies, private investors and local farmers, Serembu can help Sarawak gradually raise its self-sufficiency level while positioning itself as a reliable producer in the region.
