Latest news with #GS30
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
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
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Sarawak Focusing On Developing Comprehensive Agriculture Supply Chain
GENERAL LUNDU (Sarawak), June 10 (Bernama) -- Sarawak is focusing on developing a comprehensive agricultural supply chain to improve the marketing of produce and minimise wastage. Sarawak Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that an integrated approach, covering the entire supply chain from upstream to downstream, is essential for the sustainability and long-term success of the state's agricultural sector. 'We cannot continue with outdated practices. We must ensure there are factories, markets, and downstream processing facilities to support every crop cultivated. Only then can this sector truly thrive,' he said during a press conference after visiting the GS30 Hybrid Paddy Planting project site in Tanjung Purun earlier today. He said one example of new methods being introduced to diversify crop production in Sarawak is the use of GS30 hybrid paddy seeds from Wuhan, China, which are currently being tested in Tanjung Purun. 'These seeds have the potential to yield between 12 to 14 metric tonnes per hectare, compared with the conventional yield of around six to seven metric tonnes per hectare,' he said. Dr Rundi added that the pilot project, implemented by Baja Engineering Sdn Bhd over 187 hectares, has shown strong potential. However, its success depends on several critical factors, including the efficiency of the drainage system, the formation of soil structures such as hardpans, and full mechanisation, covering ploughing, planting, fertilising, pesticide application, and harvesting. He also noted that Sarawak currently has a rice self-sufficiency level (SSL) of only about 32 per cent, with an annual production of 180,000 metric tonnes, while the state's actual consumption needs stand at 450,000 metric tonnes. Earlier, speaking at the event, Baja Engineering Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Juraimi Abdillah said the original name of the hybrid seed was Liangyou 289, developed by Hubei Ceres Technology in China. 'However, the official name of this seed will be finalised later, pending approval from Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,' he added.
