Sagah (second right) and Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Ministry permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik (first right) in a light moment with attendees of the dinner.
KUCHING: The just-concluded inaugural Sarawak Agrofest succeeded to generate RM1 million worth of sales, having attracted more than 20,000 visitors when it was held from Oct 20 to 28.
Assistant Minister of Native Land Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that while the total sales volume was officially recorded at RM939,554.25, the amount could be more than RM1 million if ‘outside-the-counter’ deals are also included.
“Mind you, this did not include sales made outside the counter. There are other deals being made with other entrepreneurs through other arrangements.
“I believe the sales itself will be more than RM1 million. That is good business, isn’t it only for one week (duration of the Agrofest),” he said at the Sarawak Agrofest 2018 appreciation dinner last night (Oct 28).
Sagah was representing Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister, at that dinner.
According to Sagah again, the average sales per participant based on the total sales volume was RM8,388.88. There were 71 participants for the agro sales and 41 for the agro kitchen.
Sagah also urged the staff and officers of the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development (Manred) to take up the challenge to ensure Agrofest 2019 next year is a bigger success with more sales and more participants.
He said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg agreed to make Agrofest an annual event, and to organise it in other regions in Sarawak.
“While Agrofest 2018 has proven to be success, there is room for improvement. we need to bring together key players throughout the state to exhibit and educate our farmers.
“Only through working together we can make uplift Sarawak agriculture industry and achieve the government’s mission to be a net food exporter by the year 2030,” he said.
Also present last night were Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Ministry permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik and Department of Agriculture acting director Dr Alvin Chai.