BARAM: Long Banyok and its surrounding areas have the potential to be developed as a commercial paddy production area due to its vast land resources and a community with experience in agricultural activities.
Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (Commodity and Regional Development) Datuk Martin Ben said these advantages provide a good foundation for developing paddy cultivation in a more systematic and large-scale manner.
“The development of paddy cultivation can not only increase farmers’ income, but also contribute to local food production and strengthen food security.
“With proper development planning, the use of technology, mechanisation, suitable irrigation systems and more organised management, there is potential to expand paddy production towards a more commercial scale,” he said during the closing ceremony of the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) 2026 here recently.
His speech was read out by Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau.
Martin said through AgriCOP, continues to empower rural communities by bringing agricultural knowledge, skills and technology directly to the grassroots level.
He said the approach is important in helping farmers shift from traditional farming methods to agriculture that is more modern, productive, market-oriented and commercially viable.
AgriCOP 2026 involved 150 participants from Kampung Long Banyok, Long Ikang, Uma Akeh, Long Puak, Logan Sibong, Rumah Duri Sebatu, Kampung Sebubu and Kampung Long Lama.
Throughout the two-day programme, participants were exposed to durian and banana cultivation technologies, covering the selection of quality planting materials, land preparation, planting methods, fertilisation, pruning, as well as pest and disease management.
In addition, a banana chip processing course was attended by 60 participants from eight villages and longhouses to enhance their skills in producing value-added products based on agricultural produce.
Martin also encouraged youths in Long Banyok and Telang Usan to leverage technology and mechanisation to make the agriculture sector a viable career and business opportunity.
