SERIAN: The Serian Agrofest 2026 is targeting more than 20,000 visitors and RM250,000 in sales over its three-day run, building on the strong response received during last year’s edition.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Deputy Minister, Datuk Martin Ben, said this year’s event marked the fourth leg of the Agrofest roadshow before the state-level finale in Bintulu from September 25 to early October.
He said last year’s Agrofest in Serian attracted about 15,000 visitors and generated nearly RM200,000 in sales, a result he described as encouraging for the division.
“Our target this year is more than 20,000 visitors with sales reaching RM250,000,” he said when delivering his welcoming remarks at the opening of the Serian Agrofest 2026 here today.
The event was officiated by M-FICORD Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
Held under the theme ‘Innovating Agriculture for Food Security’, Martin said the event also showcased Serian’s strengths in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
He noted that Serian Division, comprising Serian, Tebedu, Siburan and Balai Ringin, remained one of Sarawak’s key agricultural regions, with more than 40,000 hectares of oil palm plantations, alongside cocoa, pepper and various other crops.
“Serian Division is well known for its inland and river fisheries, with some entrepreneurs already exporting their produce.
“Through the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA), we also have cattle breeding and fattening areas involving many local livestock farmers.
“More recently, the Bukit Semuja constituency has established a grain corn cultivation area managed by the local community to produce animal feed,” he said.
The Kedup assemblyman said Agrofest served as a platform to raise public awareness of the latest agricultural development programmes implemented by the ministry, the Department of Agriculture and its agencies.
The programme also showcased agricultural products developed by entrepreneurs under the department’s guidance while introducing new technologies and digital farming approaches to the public.
“Agrofest also seeks to encourage greater community participation through various activities and attract more youths to venture into the agriculture sector,” he added.
