Over the years, the agriculture sector has steadily become an important contributor to Sarawak’s employment, export revenue as well as economic and rural development. The face of agriculture is slowly changing as efforts are made in reinvigorating the sector and the state recognising the crucial role it plays in a nation’s economy.
The Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy highlighted agriculture as a way to further accelerate economic growth. Under the digital economy strategy, the Sarawak Economic Action Council (SEAC) also noted that focus would be given on the commercialisation and modernisation of agriculture through the application of smart farming techniques. Smart farming technology has the ability to make the agricultural sector more cost-effective while a new business model will be introduced to improve productivity and efficiency. Generating large quantities of produce for sale could boost the incomes of farmers greatly, increasing their living standards as well.
Plans under the SEAC also included developing a Permanent Food Production (PFP) Park at the Agriculture Training Centre in Sungai Sebew. Introducing this to Bintulu could make the town a food producer for the state, particularly for vegetables due to high demand and a wider market. The PFP Park is one of the long-term government programmes to create more permanent crop production zones in the future. In Sarikei, the Sarikei Innovation Centre will help to propel the town towards becoming the food basket of Sarawak. Coupled with similar efforts in Betong, Tanjung Manis Halal Hub and Bintulu, would turn Sarawak into a regional food exporter.
The success of the AgroPark in Sarikei has inspired the set-up of another at Lubok Tamang in Saribas to tap into the agricultural potential in the area. The centres see many potential agricultural business opportunities, as a number of local products have now penetrated the overseas market, especially China and Singapore. The state’s first Collecting, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC) for durians in Tarat has helped farmers raise their income and boost the industry. Through the CPPC, Sarawak is encouraging the development of the durian industry to meet high demand from the overseas market.
These programmes, among others, are a pioneer platform for entrepreneurs and agricultural enthusiasts to venture into food production to meet the needs of the state and nation.
