KUCHING: The upcoming Sarawak Agrofest (SAF) 2025, scheduled to take place from Aug 22 to 31 at the Bintulu Old Airport Site, is set to be a grand showcase of transformative innovations in agriculture.
Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said the festival will highlight advancements such as precision farming, automation, and Internet of Things (IoT), all aimed at uplifting and enhancing the agriculture sector.
“With the theme ‘Industrialising Agro Sector Through Smart Technology’, SAF 2025 will emphasise the transformative role of innovation in the sector.
“These advancements support the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 which envisions Sarawak as a competitive, sustainable agricultural powerhouse and a net food exporter by 2030,” he said during an interview on the Juh Randau talk show produced by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) today (Aug 12).
Abdul Rahman Ismail, who is also Bukit Kota assemblyman, said SAF 2025 is poised to attract around 500,000 visitors with a target of generating RM6 million in sales, surpassing the RM5.2 million recorded last year.
He said the festival will feature over 230 exhibitors from government agencies, agribusiness companies, cooperatives, farmer associations, agricultural technology start-ups, and financial institutions.
“Visitors can explore exhibition pavilions such as Peladang e-Shop, Agrotrade Pavilion, Agrofresh, Agroinput, Agrotech, and Smart Farming, as well as the Sarawak Kitchen offering both Muslim and non-Muslim cuisines.
“There will also be five special zones that will highlight the latest methods and technologies in agriculture, focusing on paddy, pineapple, fish, rubber, as well as sago and nipah,” he said.
In addition to the exhibitions, SAF 2025 will feature cultural performances, celebrity appearances, karaoke contests, a Battle of the Bands, the Ratu Agrofest pageant, and lucky draw sessions.
Awards will also be presented to recognise outstanding farmers, breeders, and fishermen, including the inaugural Sarawak Agropreneur Icon Award.
“With the strategies we have planned and implemented, I believe we can build a resilient, competitive, and sustainable agricultural industry that supports food security while driving Sarawak’s economic growth,” he said.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is scheduled to officiate SAF 2025 on Aug 23.
