SPAOH: The Spaoh Agrofest 2025 is regarded as a key platform to advance Sarawak’s agenda of transforming its agricultural sector into a modern, efficient, and competitive industry.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said technology plays a key role in boosting the sector’s capabilities and elevating agriculture into a professional field capable of generating higher income.
“The use of technology in agriculture not only saves time and energy but can also significantly increase agricultural output.
“We want agriculture to move beyond just being a routine job, and become a form of business and profession that can generate substantial income,” he said during his welcoming speech at the official launch of Spaoh Agrofest 2025 at the Spaoh Riverfront yesterday (July 26).
The event was officiated by the Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Rundi also said programmes such as this not only serve as an exhibition ground for technology and innovation, but also function as a platform for knowledge sharing, policy discussions, and the empowerment of those involved in the agricultural sector.
“Agriculture must undergo a complete transformation — not only in terms of methods, but also in how society perceives it. We need to change the mentality that farmers are a disadvantaged group.
“Today, modern farmers are professionals who are tech-savvy and capable of managing businesses based on the yield of their own land,” he added.
He noted that the Premier is now focusing not only on increasing the state’s revenue but also on efforts to improve the living standards and income of rural communities.
In light of this, Rundi urged more youths to join the agricultural sector as a promising future career, in line with technological advancements and the needs of the next generation.
