TOKYO: The Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development is exploring potential collaborations with Japanese institutions and companies to adapt innovative agricultural technologies for Sarawak’s tropical environment.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said the initiative is part of Sarawak’s strategic mission to modernise its agriculture sector through digitalisation, energy efficiency and eco-friendly practices.
He recently led a working visit to Aeon Agri Create Co. Ltd. in Kuki Town, Saitama, Japan, where he reviewed the country’s latest innovations in sustainable and high-tech greenhouse farming.
The Sarawak delegation toured Saitama Kuki Farm, a 3.3-hectare facility operated by Aeon Group, which cultivates tomatoes using ‘Probioponics’—an organic hydroponic system that replaces chemical fertilisers with biomass-based nutrients.
“Aeon Agri Create shows that agriculture can be efficient and responsible. It is an inspiring example for Sarawak as we move towards building a modern agro-industrial ecosystem by 2030,” Rundi said after the visit on Sunday (Oct 26).
He noted that the Ministry would study potential collaborations with Japanese partners in biomass energy, greenhouse management, and organic fertiliser systems to develop similar innovations suited for local conditions.
“Agriculture today is no longer just about tradition, but about data, science and innovation.
“What we are seeing in Saitama is a real demonstration of how food security and sustainability can go hand in hand,” he added.
The Probioponics technology, developed with Asahi Kasei Corporation, uses the Nature Ponics platform to generate nutrient solutions from food by-products while employing wood pellet heating to cut reliance on fossil fuels.
By integrating automation, energy recovery, and precision farming, the facility has achieved high productivity—targeting about 990 tonnes of tomatoes annually, far surpassing traditional farms.
Established in 2009 under Japanese retail giant Aeon Co. Ltd., Aeon Agri Create operates over 20 farms across Japan and supplies fresh produce directly to Aeon supermarkets.
Its greenhouse model, emphasising technology, transparency, and traceability, is regarded as one of Japan’s leading examples of next-generation agriculture.
