BINTULU: Sarawak’s agricultural sector must undergo a comprehensive transformation through the adoption of modern technology, profit-oriented management, and a complete supply chain, to ensure farming communities can enjoy a better standard of living.
Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said a change in mindset is crucial in elevating the status of farmers so that they are respected and recognised as being on par with their counterparts in developed countries.
“It is time we view agriculture not merely as subsistence, but as an industry that makes a significant contribution to the economy.
“Farmers must think in terms of profit and loss, productivity and efficiency, and have the courage to embrace mechanisation, automation and IoT in efforts to increase yields.
“We want to produce genuine farmers who think like entrepreneurs, capable of expanding their ventures and contributing to national food security,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the closing of the Seminar for Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK) members, held in conjunction with Sarawak Agrofest 2025 here today.
According to him, the state government places strong emphasis on the concept of food security as it is fundamental to the people’s survival.
“If there is no food on the table, the people will suffer. Therefore, agricultural policies must ensure sufficient supplies of rice, fruits, vegetables, meat and fish,” he stressed, adding that government policy no longer focuses merely on subsidies but has introduced performance-based incentive schemes instead.
“The harder you work and the higher your productivity, the more incentives the government will provide. This is how we encourage farmers to enhance efficiency and competitiveness,” he explained.
Rundi also highlighted the need to involve young people in agriculture through modern, large-scale approaches.
“We must train and retrain not only farmers, but also officers and ministry personnel to keep pace with technological advancement. If countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands or China can produce respected and wealthy farmers, there is no reason Sarawak cannot.
“We must change, adapt technology, and think outside the box. Only then will the farming community be respected and their living standards improved,” he stressed.
He said with government policy support and farmers’ own commitment, this transformation has the potential to reshape the state’s agricultural landscape while helping reduce rural poverty.
“All parties must play their part, particularly PPKs, which hold significant authority in mobilising farmers. With clear leadership and more focused action, we can build a farming community that is productive, progressive and respected,” he said.
At the same event, he also witnessed the signing and exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PPK Sarawak, represented by PPK Lawas chairman Temenggong Pais Kaya and PPK Subis chairman Penghulu Lansam Goyang, with the Sarawak Rubber Industry Board (SARIB), represented by its general manager Make Jiwan.
Also present were Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, permanent secretary Datuk Sirai Daha, and Department of Agriculture Sarawak Director Dominic Chunggat.
