Norah (centre) presents a hamper to a winner in one of the contests held during the festival as (from right) Khalid, Ling, Dr Anthony and Mastapa look on.
SARIKEI: Food processing industry is vital to realise the aspiration of developing Sarikei as the state’s main food producer.
Hence, Tanjong Manis MP Datuk Norah Tun Abdul Rahman said the downstream food processing industry must be included as an integral part of the big plan to turn Sarikei into the ‘Food Basket of Sarawak’.
“We may have dynamic farmers and ample suitable land for planting of various crops, but we still have to open other books to learn ways and means to set up downstream industry to process the agriculture produce into value-added products either for domestic needs or export,” she said.
She added that setting up of research centre was also vital as apart from observing the ‘Halal’ standard, food industries were also required to conform to strict health and security standard set by the world market such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP).
Norah pointed out that a research centre could benefit the food industries in many ways such as finding ways to increase the shelf life of vegetables, fruits and other farm produce and most of all processing the produce into value-added food items for export.
Norah who is also executive chairman of Tanjung Manis Food and Industrial Park Sdn Bhd was invited to officiate at the closing ceremony of Sarikei Pineapple and Borneo Fruits Fest here last Wednesday night said, pineapple was one of the crops which could bring good returns due to supply and demand factor.
According to her, Malaysia, ranked 19th among the world’s pineapple-producing countries, produced only about one per cent of the world’s market demand.
She advised local farmers to plant pineapple species which fetched good prices and in great demand in foreign market, adding, in some foreign countries, pineapples were sold at US$20 per fruit.
Norah also suggested to local farmers to explore all methods of farming, including organic and hydroponics system of planting vegetables as a way to add value to their farm produce.
Sarikei Resident Dr Anthony Valentine Laiseh, in his welcoming speech said that among the objectives of the two-week festival were to encourage the local farmers to explore the potential of agriculture and food industry; providing a platform for farmers to learn and share modern technology and knowledge; and to promote Sarikei as an Agro-tourism destination and Food Basket of Sarawak. Apart from showcasing agricultural and agropreneur exhibition, some 40 activities were carried out for public participation and during the festival.
This year’s festival was held in conjunction with ‘Visit Sarikei Month’ during which various district level festivals starting with Pesta Limau Bintangor followed by Pesta Pakan, Sarikei Powerboat GP and Pesta Lada Julau were held throughout November.
Among those present were Sarikei District officer Khalid Andong; Meradong District Officer Mastapa Julaihi; SUPP Sarikei vice-chairman Ling Dieng Yong representing Repok assemblyman Dato Sri Huang Tiong Si; Sarikei District Council chairperson Wong Zee Yeng and Temenggong Junia Olia.