Rosey (fifth right) holds galangal during a photo call with participants and organisers.
MIRI: The Sarawak government is calling on farmers and village folk to grow more spices and process them into powdered form.
Assistant Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus said there is good demand globally for powdered spices.
“Powdered traditional spices are in demand in the market where farmers and village folk must grab the opportunity to generate more income,” she said when officiating at a course on processing powdered spices in Bekenu yesterday.
She said they can use modern agricultural practices to grow spices such as turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, and ginger on their own land for more bountiful harvests.
“Our spice products are not only in demand in Sarawak but also in Asian countries and globally for their good health benefits and taste,” said Rosey.
“In Sarawak, these spices are grown or planted by villagers and farmers for their own consumption or for sale at local markets. If these spices are processed into powdered form, they can be sold outside the state as there is demand for them in healthy food or drinks.”
The Bekenu assemblywoman said this is part of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s efforts to help rural folk increase their income.
She called on more youths to take up farming as a business opportunity, adding the Agriculture Department would hold more basic courses for youths, housewives, and rural folk. A total of 38 participants joined the course.