LIMBANG: The Sarawak Government is stepping up efforts to strengthen the agriculture sector in Limbang by disbursing RM95,590 in assistance to support the adoption of technology, machinery and agricultural inputs among farming communities.
Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said such support was important to boost productivity, reduce reliance on traditional farming methods and help increase farmers’ income.
He said the agriculture sector must keep pace with developments in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship to enhance its competitiveness while encouraging more youths to venture into the field.
“Agriculture today is no longer merely traditional work, but has evolved into a field based on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship that can generate higher incomes and provide a brighter future,” he said when officiating the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) here recently.
Abdul Rahman, who is also Bukit Kota assemblyman, said AgriCOP served as a platform to disseminate the latest technology and knowledge to the farming community through talks, exhibitions and field demonstrations.
He said the outreach approach also enabled the Department of Agriculture to identify the actual needs and challenges faced by farmers, allowing assistance and interventions to be delivered in a more targeted manner.
“The provision of suitable machinery and agricultural inputs can help reduce the time and labour required, while increasing yields and the income of rural households,” he said.
During the implementation of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12), a total of 194 farmers in Limbang received assistance involving 99.5 hectares through 46 agricultural projects, with an allocation of RM1.085 million.
Meanwhile, as of July 2026 under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), 39 farmers had received assistance involving 21 hectares, with an allocation of RM391,000.
At the ceremony, paddy harvesting and milling machines worth RM15,050 were handed over to 98 farming families, while coffee fruit pulping and dry coffee bean hulling machines worth RM7,550 were distributed to 20 farmers.
A financial assistance of RM72,990 worth of oil palm and pepper fertiliser assistance (BBKSL) to 53 operators was also provided.
