SINGAPORE: Agricultural entrepreneurs in Sarawak are urged to focus on food production to ensure products are consistently supplied to external markets.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, stated that consistent production would allow Sarawak’s products to remain competitive in the global markets.
He mentioned that products from Sarawak always have high demand even overseas, but insufficient local production hinders the industry from expanding internationally, he stressed.
In this regard, he called on the agriculture department to continuously guide farmers on high-demand crops.
“If possible, we hope to conduct workshops and similar activities to identify whether farmers or producers know what needs to be done to ensure a constant supply.
“If we have a market but no supply, we cannot continue this industry.
“Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 should provide good income for farmers.
“With modern agricultural methods, we can address the problems we have faced in the past,” he said.
Dr Rundi quoted in Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS)’s report after visiting the Sarawak Pavilion booth at the Food & Hotel Asia-Food & Beverage (FHA-F&B) 2025 in Singapore Expo today.
He also urged farmers to change the narrow perception that agriculture is not an industry capable of generating significant income.
Instead, he emphasised the importance of the industry in ensuring national food security and generating income.
Meanwhile, Dr Rundi said he sees the FHA-F&B 2025 as an excellent platform to market Sarawak’s products to the global markets.
“Here we see many countries participating, so learn from them in terms of packaging, what is needed, and so on. Build relationships with them.
“However, before doing so, you must ensure that you can supply consistently,” he added.
FHA-F&B 2025, Asia’s largest food and beverage trade exhibition, take places from April 8 to 11, showcasing 80 pavilions with 1,500 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions worldwide.
This year, the Sarawak Pavilion, coordinated by the Sarawak Trade, Investment and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), features 19 food and beverage-based companies from Sarawak.
