Dept can help produce more farmers with high income
BINTULU: The state Agriculture Department plays a significant role in helping the Sarawak government produce more farmers who could generate high income.
Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the Sarawak government is in the process of transforming Sarawak into a high income state by 2030.
“In line with this vision, I believe the Sarawak Agriculture Department through its modernisation and commercialisation in agriculture sector has taken appropriate measures to transform the sector in order to produce farmers earning high income.
“The department plays an important role to change the perception of the people especially among the young generation about agriculture,” he said during the Sarawak Agriculture Department Appreciation Dinner held at a hotel here on Wednesday.
His text of speech was read by the ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik.
Uggah who is also a deputy chief minister said the Agriculture Department was also responsible to modernise and commercialise agriculture sector through digital economy.
This he said was in line with the state’s aspiration to become a net exporter of agricultural produce and be able to meet the demand of both domestic and international markets.
“Through modernisation of agriculture, the productivity and quality of the crops can be improved for example the smart farming based on sensor and automation technology making it more effective and efficient,” he said.
For agricultural commercialisation, Uggah said more parties in the private sector must be attracted to participate for capital injection, modern agricultural management, new tools with the latest technology and has bigger access to the market.
Meanwhile, a total of 153 Sarawak Agriculture Department staff throughout the state received Excellence Service Awards for their contribution to the department in 2017 during the event.
At the same function, 68 retirees were presented with certificates of appreciation for their dedication and contribution.
Also present was Sarawak Agriculture Department acting director Dr Alvin Chai Lian Kuet.