Go modern, agriculture sector told

PAKAN: A paradigm shift is essential to elevate the agricultural sector to greater heights, says Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

He noted that events like the Pakan Agrofest remain vital platforms in strengthening and empowering Sarawak’s agricultural landscape, in alignment with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

He explained that Agrofest is the best platform to introduce modern agriculture approaches and technologies to the rural community and have a positive impact on increasing farmers’ income.

“As I said, we must change the old ways, we must use new ways, change the way of thinking so that we can empower the agricultural aspect as a source of income, especially for those in rural areas.

“Thus, we can indirectly provide opportunities for small-scale farmers to increase their income.

“In the PCDS 2030 plan, we are targeting each family to earn not less than RM15,000 per year compared to RM6,000 in the initial target,” he told reporters after officiating at the programme at Pakan Stadium recently.

According to Dr Rundi, under PCDS 2030, the Sarawak government has identified the agriculture sector as one of the main sectors that will contribute to the state’s economic development.

It will emphasise four main focuses, namely increasing food security; making agriculture an important source of income for the government; increasing the income of farmers’ households; and making Sarawak a net exporter of food by 2030.

Meanwhile, in his welcoming speech earlier, Pakan assemblyman Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom also expressed his appreciation for the success of organising this annual event.

“Organising a programme like this is very much in line with the government’s efforts in strengthening the agriculture, commodity and food industry sectors as one of the main drivers of rural economic development,” he said.

He also described Agrofest as an important initiative that not only showcases local produce and innovation, but also encourages the involvement of youth, agro-entrepreneurs and communities in the agro-industry.

In 2023, Pakan Agrofest recorded an attendance of 4,753 visitors with a total sales of RM139,641.50.

This year, the organisers are targeting an attendance of 5,000 visitors with a sales target of increasing to RM150,000.

He said Pakan is also not left behind in terms of agricultural progress, where last year, Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) began the first phase of the 361-hectare oil palm plantation project out of the total 1,500 hectares planned in the Ulu Wak area, Pakan.

This district is also known for the production of vegetables such as ‘Kasam Ensabi’ and various local fruit products.

With the road infrastructure facilities improving and connecting the interior areas with the urban center, Mawan said agriculture is expected to continue to grow rapidly and become a catalyst for the economic development of rural communities in Sarawak.