Dr Rundi: Sarawak eyes complete agro supply chain to boost rural incomes
Dr Rundi (second left) visits the GS30 hybrid rice cultivation project site at Tanjung Purun Rice Cultivation Scheme in Lundu. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (June 10): Sarawak is committed to strengthening its food and commodity sectors by establishing a complete supply chain from upstream to downstream levels, to ensure that agricultural and livestock products can be marketed sustainably and profitably, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
The Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister said this integrated approach is key to securing stable incomes for the people and transforming the state's economic landscape.
'In this day and age, we can no longer live by the 'kais pagi makan pagi, kais petang makan petang' (live from hand to mouth) concept. Whatever we strive for must yield positive returns, not just enough to get by.
'Therefore, we need to establish a complete supply chain, covering everything from upstream to downstream,' he said after visiting the GS30 Hybrid Rice Cultivation Project site at the Tanjung Purun Rice Cultivation Scheme in Lundu today.
Dr Rundi stressed that the development of the food industry can no longer rely solely on conventional approaches but instead, it requires a mindset shift that views this sector as a true economic opportunity.
'The 'tagang' (controlled fishing) system and agricultural practices in the state are still very slow and overly conventional.
'So, we need to change our way of thinking so that we can produce high-income products. Our target is for household incomes to reach RM15,000 per month,' he said.
He explained that such income levels can be achieved if a complete supply chain is in place, along with job opportunities and income sources from farming, fisheries, and livestock.
For this reason, he said, a mindset change is necessary so that the agro-food sector is no longer seen as merely subsistence-based, but as an economic field with lucrative returns, as is the case in developed countries.
'In New Zealand and Australia, farmers are highly regarded. We can reach that level too, if this industry is developed in a planned and strategic manner,' he added.
In this regard, Dr Rundi called on the State Agriculture Department and research officers to identify suitable production zones for premium products such as dabai, black pepper, and pandan coconut.
'For example, crops like dabai and black pepper are only suitable in specific areas like Song, Kapit, and central Sarawak. If we plant them elsewhere, the taste and quality won't be the same.
'So, we must identify the strengths of each area and focus on developing based on those advantages,' he remarked. agro-food sector Dr Stephen Rundi Utom food supply chain lead
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