DATO Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom at a press conference at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, today.
PETRA JAYA: Sarawak aims to become a net food exporter by 2030 through the implementation of an integrated agricultural policy involving aspects of research, development, production and marketing.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, said this achievement requires comprehensive cooperation from various parties including implementing agencies and the farming community.
“We cannot change this food sector overnight. It involves changes in the structure, work culture, and mindset of all parties, including relevant departments and agencies,” he said at a press conference at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), today.
He said that among the state government’s main focuses is to increase the Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) of rice to 100 percent by 2030, which is seen as the main basis in achieving net exporter status.
“If China with a population of 1.4 billion can achieve 100 percent SSL, there is no reason why Sarawak with only 2.5 million people cannot achieve the same target,” he said.
Stephen Rundi also stressed that investment in modern agricultural technology and the development of large-scale agroparks is the government’s main strategy to increase productivity and attract young people to participate in the agricultural sector.
“We want young people to see agriculture as a modern and profitable career opportunity. They are IT-savvy and more willing to accept change if given the right exposure and facilities.
“A total of nine agroparks are currently being developed throughout the state to support industrialized and sustainable food production,” he explained.
He also described climate change as a major challenge to the stability of the state’s agricultural output, but stressed that planning and preparedness are key to reducing its impact.
“We cannot control nature, but we can plan and be prepared. Countries like Brazil, China and India have long faced this challenge, and we should learn from them,” he said.
Stephen Rundi revealed that more than 400 requests from the farming community have been received through departments such as the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), particularly regarding farm road needs.
“We cannot achieve net exporter status if our farmers are still struggling with basic access issues.
“That is why comprehensive support from the government is very important,” he stressed.
The Sarawak government is also looking into drafting a new ordinance to manage the state’s fisheries resources, including the development of deep-sea fishing industries such as tuna and barramundi.
This move, he added, is seen as part of the government’s long-term strategy to expand the food sector and make Sarawak more globally competitive.
