BALINGIAN: The Agriculture Community Extension Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) has been a key initiative since 2020, serving as a bridge between the Department of Agriculture and rural farming communities.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi said it provides exposure to the latest agricultural technologies through talks, exhibitions, demonstrations and technical courses.
“This programme highlights the vital role of smallholders in ensuring a sufficient and quality food supply to meet local market demands.
“In line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Sarawak’s agriculture sector will be driven by modern technology, data analytics and scientific research,” he said at the launch of AgriCOP at Rh Meling, Setuan here recently.
He added that the government is focusing on five key crops: rice, coconut, banana, pineapple, and durian.
“In Balingian, two sites have been earmarked for rice cultivation — 144 hectares in Rumah Meling and 109 hectares in Sungai Sa — alongside several potential coconut planting areas.”
Dr Rundi also stressed the importance of certifications such as myGAP, Halal, GMP, and HACCP to ensure both safety and marketability of agricultural products for domestic and international markets.
Meanwhile, Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi said Balingian holds great potential in agriculture, particularly in oil palm and coconut, which serve as the main sources of income for the local community.
He said the approval of a RM13.5 million Balingian Agricultural Training Centre, is set to benefit over 9,423 farming households in Mukah.
“The centre will be equipped with lecture rooms, a test kitchen, fertigation and hydroponic demonstration plots, two staff quarters, and other supporting facilities. Beyond training, it will also serve as a hub for innovation and the dissemination of modern technology to rural farmers.”
He added that this development is expected to enhance the capacity of local farmers, while supporting the state’s goal of making Sarawak a leading food producer by 2030.
This edition of AgriCOP marks the sixth held in the Balingian constituency, underscoring the state government’s commitment to strengthening rural farming communities through impactful and inclusive programmes.
