Abang Johari (fifth left), flanked by Dr Rundi (fourth left), Ahmad Farhan (fifth right) and others, officiates the opening of COSAFS2026. – Photo by UPMS

BINTULU (Aug 3): Sarawak is positioning itself to become a regional leader in sustainable agriculture and agri-food innovation by transforming its agricultural sector through advanced technologies, research and strategic partnerships under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said today.

Officiating at the 3rd Congress on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (COSAFS2026) at a hotel here, Abang Johari said food security remains one of the state’s strategic priorities as Sarawak modernises agriculture into a high-income, technology-driven industry.

He said the transformation would be driven by innovation, digitalisation, precision agriculture, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, automation, renewable energy integration and sustainable resource management.

“However, this transformation is not merely about increasing productivity. It is about producing sustainably while protecting our forests, conserving biodiversity, managing water resources responsibly and ensuring that development today does not compromise the needs of future generations,” he said.

The Premier noted that global food systems are facing unprecedented pressures from climate change, resource scarcity, geopolitical uncertainties, biodiversity loss and evolving consumer demands.

“Rapid technological advancement presents significant opportunities to build smarter, more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems,” he said.

For Sarawak, he stressed, agriculture is not simply about producing food but also ensuring long-term food security, creating quality employment, generating economic prosperity for rural communities, protecting biodiversity and safeguarding the well-being of future generations.

Abang Johari said Sarawak’s abundant land resources, rich biodiversity, renewable energy potential and diverse agricultural ecosystems place the state in a strong position to emerge as a sustainable agri-food hub in the region.

He cited the AgriHub initiative as an example of how research, innovation and close collaboration with local communities are strengthening agricultural productivity and food security.

Building on the encouraging progress achieved in Gedong, he said the AgriHub approach is being expanded to other strategic locations to support Sarawak’s broader sustainable agricultural development agenda.

According to the Premier, the establishment of the School of Veterinary and Animal Science (SVAS) would strengthen local expertise in veterinary medicine, animal health and livestock development to support the state’s long-term agri-food ambitions.

He emphasised that achieving Sarawak’s vision would require strong collaboration among academia, industry, government and local communities.

“The exchange of scientific knowledge, innovative ideas and practical experiences is essential if we are to address increasingly complex agricultural challenges,” he said.

Abang Johari commended Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS) for its leadership in agricultural research, innovation, human capital development and community engagement, saying the congress further reinforces Sarawak’s position as a regional hub for agricultural excellence.

He urged participants to continue exploring transformative solutions centred on digital technologies, circular economy principles, renewable energy, sustainable land management and inclusive rural development.

“The future of agriculture must be one that empowers farmers, attracts young talent, encourages entrepreneurship and strengthens community resilience,” he said.

Abang Johari expressed confidence that the discussions and partnerships forged during the congress would contribute significantly towards global food security while supporting sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship.

The international congress, organised by UPMS and its collaborators, brings together researchers, policymakers, industry players and stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.

Among those present at the event were State Legislative Assembly peaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, and Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Bintulu Resident Datu Nyurak Keti and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah.