BETONG: The Bebuling Agropark, spanning approximately 300 hectares, is set to commence development this year.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said six major companies have expressed interest in participating in the agropark’s development.
The companies, hailing from both Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, specialise in modern agriculture, ranging from vegetable and fruit farming to poultry and crayfish rearing.
“These companies can serve as anchor entities and will welcome contract farmers to work alongside them.
“They will also share modern farming techniques and provide planting or breeding materials.
“We are currently considering engaging three of these companies,” he said during an event to distribute fertilizer aid to oil palm smallholders in Spaoh on Friday (Jan 10).
Uggah expressed confidence that the agropark could serve as a transformative game changer for the agricultural sector, significantly enhancing farmers’ productivity and income.
The Bukit Saban assemblyman also urged officers from the Agriculture Department, related agencies and farmers themselves to actively contribute to its success.
“This initiative is our launching pad to introduce modern agriculture to the people. Technology-based farming will reduce labour intensity while boosting productivity and profitability.
“We hope the new generation, in particular, will embrace this shift.”
Uggah also shared plans for the Bukit Saban area to become a major food production hub in Betong Division.
Complementing the agropark’s development, a collection, processing and packaging centre is currently under construction near the Bebuling STOLport, which will facilitate faster transportation of agricultural products to markets.
During the event, Uggah distributed fertilizer aid to six oil palm smallholders, representing a group of 249 recipients.
The Agriculture Department allocated RM500,000 for 2,988 bags of fertilizer, which will benefit recipients from 65 longhouses and villages across Spaoh, Bukit Saban, Debak and Betong.
Uggah then urged recipients to use the fertilizer responsibly.
“Some may be tempted to sell it for cash or leave it unused, which defeats the government’s purpose of providing this aid,” he cautioned.
Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu, who was also present, praised Uggah’s efforts to uplift the community through modern agriculture.
“The people here are fortunate to have Uggah’s leadership and strategies to increase their income. My advice is to keep an open mind and be ready to embrace modern farming.”
He also called on government officers and agencies to commit to ensuring the success of the Bebuling Agropark.
