Sarawak to Transform Agriculture Department by Integrating Advanced Technology to Enhance Productivity

Published at Nov 27, 2024 04:52 pm
(Kuching, 27th) Sarawak is ready to transform its agriculture department by integrating advanced technology and modern agricultural techniques to increase productivity, ensure food security, and promote sustainable practices.

Sarawak's Minister for Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi, stated that one of the main initiatives is to incorporate IoT technology into agricultural education and introduce the use of drones, automated fertilization, and harvest transfer and mechanization systems.

He said that this effort aims to equip the younger generation with the skills necessary for technology-based agricultural methods, ensuring Sarawak's agriculture remains sustainable and innovative in the future.

He also emphasized the important role of education in driving agricultural transformation.

“Understanding IoT and modern technology is important at first. Only then can we introduce advanced methods and motivate young people to continue farming. Without this innovation, traditional agricultural methods might no longer interest them.”

Stephen Rundi stated at a press conference after attending the 19th Sarawak Agriculture Institute Graduation Ceremony.

He said Sarawak has also set an ambitious goal to become a clean food exporter by 2030.

“The plan is also being implemented, with 1 billion ringgit allocated for large-scale irrigation infrastructure projects to support sustainable rice cultivation. The Sarawak government has identified 14,000 hectares of land in areas like Stumbin, Betong, and Limbang for development, equipped with advanced drainage and irrigation systems.”

Apart from rice cultivation, Sarawak also faces a huge food import deficit, currently exceeding 5 billion ringgit annually.

He said various efforts are being mobilized in this direction, such as a program providing financial assistance and training to young farmers, aiming to cultivate a new generation of tech-savvy farmers.

“With proper infrastructure, digitization, and value chain development, Sarawak's agriculture sector can become a major contributor to the state's economy.”

He added that his department is focusing on animal feed production to reduce dependency on imports.

“Measures are being taken to explore sustainable protein sources, such as black soldier fly larvae, to support local food production.”

He said Sarawak’s agriculture sector currently accounts for 10.6% of our GDP. With these advancements, it has the potential to become a pillar of our economic growth.

Author

Tan Chok Bui


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