KUCHING: A new RM20 million headquarters for the Sarawak State Farmer Organisation (PPNS) will be built in the Samarahan area soon.
This was announced by Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Abang Haji Johari Tun Openg on Saturday night during the “Peladang Nite 2017” held at Pullman Hotel here.
“This new building, with its unique design and latest ICT facilities, will have a symbolic significance for Sarawak’s modern farmers,” said Johari.
He added it would also be a collection centre for agriculture products to be exported to foreign countries.
Johari revealed that RM100 million would allocated for the development of agriculture entrepreneurs next year.
“This will be used as venture capital for farmers who have the potential to succeed. It is also an effort to assist the entrepreneurs to develop their businesses.
“The government will use the allocation as equity capital in the businesses. We will guide the owners on how to handle their businesses. Once the businesses are successful, we will sell them back to the owners at minimum prices,” he explained.
More than 1,000 leading farmers from all over the state attended the dinner. There are currently 1,649 Farmer Units under 28 Area Farmers Organisations (PPK) with 164,574 farmer members.
Ten awards were presented during the “Peladang Nite 2017” including Farmer Member with the Most Shares in PPK until 31 December 2016, PPK with the Most Active Farmer Units, PPK with the Most Shares until 31 December, 2016, the PPNS Chairman Award for the PPK which has the Most Business with PPNS, the Deputy Chief Minister’s Award for The Best Farmer Unit and the Chief Minister’s Award for The Best PPK.
Present were Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Chairman of PPNS, Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran.
