BY: ELEAZAR BARRICK PETER & NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS
KUCHING: A partnership between the Department of Agriculture Sarawak (DoA) and Borneo Aromatic Coconut Sdn Bhd is set to propel the development of coconut production in the state.
Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom stressed the importance of collaboration between DoA, its affiliated agencies, and private sectors like Borneo Aromatic Coconut.
He urged them to build strategic alliances with farming communities and the private sector, aiming to establish a robust and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
The occasion was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two entities here on Thursday (Aug 24).
“Both parties will take necessary steps to co-operate, strengthen, and develop a mutual agreement on the development of coconut production by smallholders,” said Dr Rundi, who is Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development.
“We will also make sure we undertake the promotion and marketing of coconut; research and development in coconut production and processing; and transfer and exchange knowledge and innovative technology in the coconut industry.”
He expressed his hope that the collaboration would swiftly generate initiatives involving the agro-based community, especially in rural areas, to expedite the growth of the coconut industry and bolster the supply chain.
Additionally, the collaboration is poised to elevate Borneo Aromatic Coconut, positioning it as a significant coconut producer in Sarawak.
The company currently has coconut plantations spanning 100 acres of pandan coconut at Trombol Telaga Air, 25 acres of pandan seed gardens, 20 acres of matag coconut seed gardens at Matang, and a 15-acre coconut nursery at Maliha.
The signing ceremony was attended by deputy minister Martin Ben, DoA director Dominic Chunggat, and other distinguished guests.
