KOTA SAMARAHAN: The PPNS Agriculture Mini Expo 2025 serves as a key platform to strengthen Sarawak’s agro-food sector while equipping farmers and young talents with tools for modern agricultural transformation.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said such initiatives not only promote local produce but also connect farmers directly with markets and encourage a shift towards commercially-driven agricultural practices.
He said Sarawak State Farmers Organisation (PPNS) not only provides a physical venue but also connects farmers through digital platforms, with supporting facilities, such as collection centres and Collection Processing & Packaging Centres (CPPCs), across divisions.
“With digital tools and proper logistics, our farmers can begin shifting towards a more commercial mindset.
“Farmers can even contact PPNS online to access support. This way, we ensure their efforts are not wasted and the supply chain remains intact,” he said.
He told a press conference this after officiating the Agriculture Mini Expo 2025 at Sarawak State Farmers Organisation (PPNS) Complex here today.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Rundi said PPNS must go beyond selling produce and focus on building farmers’ knowledge and skills.
He expressed optimism that the current mini expo would be able to grow into a full-scale event in the future, while stressing the need to prioritise improving farmers’ returns.
“PPNS is not just about selling goods. It should be about selling knowledge, selling marketing techniques, and offering a full comprehensive package.
“All agriculture programmes must be outcome-driven. If the outcome is not positive, drop the programme. If positive, expand it,” he added.
Dr Rundi also said the Sarawak Agriculture Institute, which trains 100 graduates annually, is a valuable contributor to the state’s agricultural development.
He stressed that these graduates are key assets, who must be properly guided even before completing their studies, particularly on areas to focus on and what is marketable.
“If we want agriculture to be future-ready, we must combine technical training with real-world market understanding.
“They’re not just being taught how to farm but they’re being trained to think and act like agri-entrepreneurs,” he added.
