In need of a federal helping hand

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State doing its best to help farmers improve their yields but still needs outside assistance, says Adenan

Adenan (second right) having a good laugh with wife Jamilah (left) over a durian during a tour around the exhibition area. Also seen is Awang Tengah (right).

Adenan (second right) having a good laugh with wife Jamilah (left) over a durian during a tour around the exhibition area. Also seen is Awang Tengah (right).

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The state still needs the help of the federal government to develop its agriculture sector as insufficient infrastructure like road connectivity to farms in rural areas is hampering the development of the industry in the state.

This was disclosed by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem at the launching of the National-Level Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day celebration, which was officiated at by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at Kota Samarahan Civic Centre yesterday.

“We want to get similar development as seen in Semenanjung Malaysia because we do not want our farmers, breeders and fishermen to be left behind.”

On its part, the state government will continue to put priority in developing agriculture especially in rural areas to help farmers cope with the challenges of the industry, he added.

“We cannot deny that this sector is increasingly challenging especially in current economic situation where farmers faced various issues like pest attack, logistics, social change, climate change and so forth,” he noted.

Among the government’s initiatives to help farmers are the setting up of agropolitan, rural growth centre and rural service centre.

On the theme of the celebration, ‘Agrotechnology – Catalyst of Transformation’, Adenan stressed that research and development through agencies like Mardi to develop agrotechnology suitable for Sarawak had to be stepped up.

“Other than that, both federal and state agencies needed to strengthen the agriculture extension activities especially to facilitate transfer of technology so that farmers, breeders and fishermen can benefit,” he said.

A total of 12 states are taking part in the week-long agricultural carnival.

More than 400 showrooms and booths were set up in accordance to segments such as the public and private agencies, state exhibition pavilions, Ministry of Agriculture exhibition space, agriculture exhibition, agro-industrial exhibition, fisheries, veterinary, agriculture engineering and agro-bazaar

The chief minister added that agriculture is the fourth largest contributor to the state’s income contributing RM14.86 billion or 14 per cent to its economy last year.

“We recognise the important roles of farmers, breeders and fishermen as they not only contribute to the economy but are main providers of food source important for our people and the country, else we will depend very much on imports which will increase the cost of our livelihood,” he said.

Moving to agriculture marketing, Adenan elaborated the importance of ensuring a complete supply chain from growing to selling.

“We need to focus on selling the food, marketing the food, finding more market for the food and processing… not growing the food only. As such good marketing management is crucial especially for fresh produce like fruits and vegetables considering the geographical size and logistic challenges in Sarawak.

“The state government provides various subsidies for farmers including all kinds of pesticides and fertilisers.”

He advised farmers to make good use of the subsidies instead of abusing the privilege by selling off the pesticides and fertilisers which had happened in the past.

Also present were Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Dato Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, chief minister’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.