State ready to bank on Serian’s proximity, land suitability for precision farming to feed city
SERIAN: Serian has full potential to be a supplier of food to Kuching city and beyond.
This is because of its close proximity to the city and the fact that it has plenty of suitable land to be cultivated.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said this at a meeting with legislators from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and staff of the state Agriculture Department and Veterinary Services Sarawak here today.
Education, Science and Technological Research Minister, who is also Tebedu assemblyman, Datuk Seri Michael Manyin, Native Land Assistant Minister who is Tarat assemblymen Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, and Kedup assemblyman Martin Michael Ben were among those present.
Uggah said for Serian to play the role it is imperative for its farmers to take the plunge into modern precision farming in order to have superior advantages.
“We want Serian to supply food not only to Kuching but beyond,” he stressed.
This, he went on, is consonant with Sarawak’s objective of becoming a major food exporter by the year 2030, which is the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s vision for the agricultural sector.
Uggah, who is Agriculture Modernisation, Native Land and Regional Development Minister, said a workshop would be held soon to produce a master plan to explore Serian’s full potential including its soil and crop suitability, inland fishery and livestock breeding potentials.
“We want to know what Serian can produce the best although we are looking at pineapples, bananas, durians, and vegetables, in addition to swiftlets, cattle and goat ranching, and pig breeding.
“But all these need to be done the modern way for greater harvest and quality,” he said.
“Modern farming can help farmers earn more income. We are looking at each family’s monthly income of RM4,000 or more,” he said.
On marketing which has always been a major issue, Uggah said the area farmers’ organisation would help by buying much of the produce.
The government too has the anchor companies to buy the produce and sell them overseas.
“But we must have the volume. Doing things the traditional way will not help as the yield would be insignificant,” he said.
On the meeting, Uggah said it was to find out the implementation progress of approved projects, and also to identify and plan for next year’s agricultural development plans and programmes.
He said to facilitate the government’s agricultural transformation programmes it would recruit more staff and officers for the department soon.
“Among other things, we hope to have experts in durian cultivation and livestock breeding.
“These experts will teach locals how to maintain their durian trees and pig/cattle farmers how to do artificial insemination to increase their stock.”
