MELUAN assemblyman, Datuk Rolland Duat Jubin, has proposed positioning Meluan as a modern agricultural hub and future food basket for central Sarawak through greater investment in precision farming, agroparks and high-value food crop development under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13).
“Meluan has strong potential in pepper cultivation, smallholder oil palm, vegetable farming and food crop production, but requires stronger infrastructure and financing support to modernise the sector,” he said in his debate speech on the motion of appreciation to the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s address at the DUN Sitting today (May 14).
Among the initiatives proposed were clustered Native Customary Rights (NCR) land development for high-value food crops, the establishment of a Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC), a Precision Farming Park and Agropark, as well as expanded farm road development.
“Our smallholders are hardworking. They have land and determination. What they need is capital support, infrastructure and market guarantees,” he said, adding that such initiatives could help transform Meluan into one of the main food-producing regions in central Sarawak.
Duat also questioned the latest status of the Sarawak Agro Fund (SAF), formerly known as Sarawak Venture Capital, which is managed by the Sarawak Land Development Board (SLDB).
“Clarification is needed on the programme’s progress and achievements in developing small agropreneurs into competitive commercial entrepreneurs capable of contributing towards Sarawak’s target of becoming a net food exporter by 2030,” he said.
He also sought updates on the Agriculture Facilitation Fund (AFF), describing it as an effective initiative that had successfully attracted younger participants into the agriculture sector.
Duat stressed that continued support for both programmes was crucial to strengthen rural entrepreneurship and encourage greater youth participation in modern agriculture.
