KUCHING: Collaborative efforts among agriculture-related agencies are paramount to bolstering Sarawak’s food security agenda and transforming the region into a net food exporter by 2030.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that all relevant agencies, whether under the Sarawak or federal governments, must enhance cooperation and avoid working in silos to ensure shared goals are achieved.
“You must work more closely together and not move independently.
“Your roles are vital in realizing our goal of a sustainable, technology-driven agricultural sector,” Dr Rundi said during his ministerial address held at Pullman Hotel here on Tuesday (Feb 24).
He stressed that efforts to reduce reliance on food imports and to raise the state’s self-sufficiency level must be intensified, particularly for rice production.
Currently, local rice production stands at only about 21 per cent, underscoring the urgent need to boost productivity in the sector.
“This journey is undoubtedly difficult and challenging. That is why you must adopt a creative, proactive and resilient mindset.
“I believe that if we all share this mindset and work more cohesively, we will achieve our objectives.”
He added that food security and modern agriculture in Sarawak would be strengthened through productivity-driven approaches, including the adoption of technology, precision farming, the development of integrated agricultural parks and stronger farmer-to-market linkages.
He said the measures would help raise farm incomes, enhance value addition and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, while fostering a more resilient and sustainable agri-food system.
Also present were deputy ministers Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and Datuk Martin Ben; Sarawak Science Research adviser Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang; adviser in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development) Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom; and the ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Sirai Daha.
