BETONG: The RM60-million agropark development project in Spaoh is set to become a catalyst for transforming the modern agriculture sector in Bukit Saban.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also Bukit Saban Assemblyman, said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has already started development works on the agropark.
The project is expected to have a significant impact on the local community, especially youths, by encouraging them to venture into modern agriculture.
“We are very satisfied with the progress of the agropark development as it is an important project,” Uggah said.
“I believe it will open up opportunities for youths and the local community to be involved in agriculture in a more systematic and commercial way.”
Uggah said this after attending the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) meeting at the Spaoh Sub-District Office on Wednesday, which discussed the implementation of various development projects.
He stressed that the government’s aspiration is to make Bukit Saban a competitive producer of agricultural products, not only for local consumption but also to meet broader demand in Sarawak.
Apart from the agropark project, the meeting also discussed the potential of paddy development in the area.
Uggah said trials using new seed varieties are being carried out to increase rice yields, which would make Bukit Saban one of the state’s main paddy cultivation areas.
With the agropark development and other planned projects, he is confident that Spaoh and Bukit Saban will experience rapid growth by 2030, in line with Sarawak’s vision to improve the people’s economic standard through modern and sustainable agriculture.
