Azmi presented a souvenir to Martin Ben
WEDNESDAY, 30 AUGUST 2023
KUCHING: The Sarawak Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) and the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts (MTCP) will work together to develop and enhance the agritourism industry in Sarawak.
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (Commodity and Regional Development) Martin Ben said, he assured that M-FICORD and MTCP are committed to working together in developing and enhancing the agrotourism industry in Sarawak.
He said, this collaboration is important in order to achieve the Sarawak Government's desire to increase farmers' income and reduce the poverty rate by diversifying income streams and exploring downstream business opportunities in agrotourism.
However, he said, farmers who are really interested in venturing into agrotourism need to be identified first.
"To develop our agritourism industry, first we must identify farmers who are serious about venturing into this industry.
"After identifying, relevant ministries or departments and agencies that can help and guide them," he said when officiating the Closing Ceremony of the Sarawak Agrotourism Conference and Expo (SAtCE) 2023 at the Borneo Kuching Convention Center (BCCK) on Tuesday.
Therefore, Martin Ben expressed his appreciation to the speakers and industry experts who shared their knowledge and experience in this conference which was held for the first time in Sarawak.
He explained that this is very important because their knowledge and experience can be used as inspiration to enhance the agrotourism industry in Sarawak.
Meanwhile, he suggested M-FICORD and MTCP to establish a joint committee with relevant departments and agencies to discuss partnerships and ideas expressed by speakers and industry experts throughout the two days conference.
"The establishment of this committee is important to ensure that the conference produces the desired impact," he said.
In addition, Martin Ben also suggested that an Agrotourism Unit be established under M-FICORD to encourage the involvement of farmers in agrotourism in line with the ministry's desire to improve the living standards and socioeconomics of farming families, especially in rural areas.
Present with the Permanent Secretary of M-FICORD, Sirai Daha and Project Director of Derrisen Sdn Bhd (Organizer of SAtCE 2023), Nor Azmi Sulong.
