SIBU: The Federation of Vegetable Growers Associations and the Sibu Vegetable Farmers Association are urged to actively engage with the relevant government bodies and strengthen public-private cooperation to jointly position Sarawak as a regional hub for food production and export.
Federal Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, also urged the association to embrace the era of “smart agriculture”, from precision farming and intelligent irrigation to data management and the use of drones and sensors, as these technologies are reshaping the agricultural landscape.
“In particular, the immense potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture must not be overlooked.
“AI can help farmers analyse soil conditions, predict weather patterns, monitor pests and diseases, optimise planting strategies, and even forecast market demand to set the most competitive prices for their produce.
“It not only boosts efficiency but also enhances the professionalism and appeal of agriculture, drawing more young people into the sector,” he said.
He said this in his speech text, read by Bawang Assan assemblyman, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, at the 2025 National Farmers Conference cum Annual General Meeting held at a renowned hotel here on Saturday night.
Tiong, who is also the Dudong assemblyman, stressed that modern agriculture is no longer seen as “labour-intensive, backward, and unpromising”; instead, it has evolved into an industry that integrates technology, management and market strategy.
“As long as one is willing to commit and continue learning, agriculture can certainly yield significant returns and bring great personal fulfilment.
“Therefore, I encourage the Sarawak Sibu Planters Association to continue playing a leading role in creating a platform for learning, knowledge exchange, and experience sharing by organising training, field visits and agro-entrepreneurship talks to engage and inspire more young people to understand and join the agricultural sector,” he added.
He hoped that the affiliated associations would strengthen collaboration and share resources to build a united, supportive and mutually beneficial agricultural ecosystem.
“I have also learned that your visit will include trips to local longhouses and farms, which I believe present excellent opportunities to explore potential partnerships with local landowners and jointly develop Sarawak’s vast agricultural potential.
“Agriculture is not a sunset industry, it is a new beacon of hope for Sarawak. If we remain committed to reform, embrace innovation, and work together, agriculture will surely emerge as one of Sarawak’s key economic pillars in the near future, paving the way for a brighter future for the next generation,” he added.
Meanwhile, on the programme, he said the convention is indeed a valuable gathering; not only does it bring industry peers together to foster friendship and share experiences, but more importantly, it offers a platform for collectively contributing ideas for the future of agriculture in Sarawak and throughout Malaysia.
