Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom
LUBOK ANTU: Farmers and ranchers in Sarawak are advised not to rush into activities without technical guidance and market planning.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom stressed that the “plant first, think later” approach should be avoided for sustainable returns and to avoid waste.
“Don’t just plant as you please. You need to have knowledge, know the soil, weather and market needs,” he said when speaking at the Launching Ceremony of the Rum Filling Plant, Lubok Antu 2 Palm Oil Mill.
He said seasonal crops such as rambutan, durian and dabai easily experience excess supply without a clear marketing strategy.
“If everyone plants rambutan, when the season arrives and the price drops, the farmers are the ones who lose. You need to plan according to market data, get technical advice,” he said.
The government is ready to help farmers with advisory services, agricultural inputs and market access.
His ministry is also intensifying the use of smart agricultural technologies such as precision systems, IoT and automated greenhouses.
“This is not the era of farming with a hoe alone. We are testing the use of drones and smart fertigation systems in several locations,” he said.
He stressed the importance of youth participation with training, facilities and a modern agricultural ecosystem.
“We have many agricultural graduates. We need to train and encourage them to create an ecosystem – technology, markets and buyers,” he said.
Young people need to see agriculture as a professional career with high potential.
He also suggested that family land in villages and longhouses be used for rice cultivation in groups to guarantee the state’s food security.
“The group approach simplifies management, sharing costs, machinery and markets. We help through PPK to manage inputs, planting schedules and marketing,” he said.
