Latest news with #StateAgricultureDepartment
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
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Over 200 Penang durian growers urged to join tracking system
GEORGE TOWN: More than 200 durian growers in Penang are being encouraged to register for the 'Track and Trace' system, a smart tagging platform aimed at curbing the spread of counterfeit durians and restoring consumer confidence in the authenticity of the state's renowned fruit. State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said to date, between 50 and 60 growers have committed to using the system, with 20 large-scale farmers already registered. 'Each durian will be tagged with a QR code that allows traceability from the farm to the consumer. Buyers simply need to scan the code to verify the durian's origin. 'The tags are ready and implementation will begin on June 1. We will assist growers in obtaining the tags as soon as possible. Registration can be done through the State Agriculture Department, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), or my office,' he told a press conference at Komtar here today. Last week, Fahmi announced the state government's plan to implement the system in collaboration with MIMOS Sdn Bhd, following complaints from local growers about the misuse and misrepresentation of Penang durians by irresponsible parties. Fahmi said the state is also proposing to make the tagging system a mandatory requirement for all durian growers before they are allowed to sell their produce. 'Those who adopt the system will be prioritised for government assistance, promotional support, and participation in official programmes,' he said. He added that use of the system will also be compulsory for all participants at the Penang Durian and Fruit Festival 2025, scheduled to run from June 23 to July 20, to ensure the quality and authenticity of durians featured at the event. Apart from protecting consumers by ensuring quality and value for money, the technology is expected to help growers build a stronger reputation and expand market access, including opportunities for export to China.
Barnama
29-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Over 200 Penang Durian Growers Urged To Join ‘Track And Trace' System
GEORGE TOWN, May 29 (Bernama) -- More than 200 durian growers in Penang are being encouraged to register for the 'Track and Trace' system, a smart tagging platform aimed at curbing the spread of counterfeit durians and restoring consumer confidence in the authenticity of the state's renowned fruit. State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said to date, between 50 and 60 growers have committed to using the system, with 20 large-scale farmers already registered. 'Each durian will be tagged with a QR code that allows traceability from the farm to the consumer. Buyers simply need to scan the code to verify the durian's origin. 'The tags are ready and implementation will begin on June 1. We will assist growers in obtaining the tags as soon as possible. Registration can be done through the State Agriculture Department, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), or my office,' he told a press conference at Komtar here today. Last week, Fahmi announced the state government's plan to implement the system in collaboration with MIMOS Sdn Bhd, following complaints from local growers about the misuse and misrepresentation of Penang durians by irresponsible parties. Fahmi said the state is also proposing to make the tagging system a mandatory requirement for all durian growers before they are allowed to sell their produce. 'Those who adopt the system will be prioritised for government assistance, promotional support, and participation in official programmes,' he said. He added that use of the system will also be compulsory for all participants at the Penang Durian and Fruit Festival 2025, scheduled to run from June 23 to July 20, to ensure the quality and authenticity of durians featured at the event. Apart from protecting consumers by ensuring quality and value for money, the technology is expected to help growers build a stronger reputation and expand market access, including opportunities for export to China.
Hans India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
CM cracks down on firms selling spurious seeds, calls for kharif preparedness
Hyderabad: Following reports of early onset of the South West Monsoon, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy instructed officials of State Agriculture Department to prepare agriculture action plan for the ensuing Kharif season. Ordering the officials to ensure the availability of adequate seeds and fertilisers during the farming seasons in all districts, the CM warned a strict action against the companies which supply spurious seeds and deceive the farmers. District Collectors and police officers in all districts have been asked to be vigilant and curb the supply of spurious seeds and fertilisers to the farmers. Revanth Reddy asserted that the Agriculture Department and the Police Department should jointly conduct district wise task force raids and keep a close watch on all the State borders. In a bid to check the spurious seed menace, the CM instructed the officials to take strict action against those who cheat farmers. All the officials should collect the information about the spurious seeds, storage centres, and transportation and take action as per the law without sparing anyone. CM Revanth Reddy asked the authorities to book cases under the PD act against the traders who supplied spurious seeds to the farmers. Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao is entrusted with the responsibility of holding regular meetings with Collectors, SPs and Police Commissioners on the availability of seeds and fertilisers so that farmers do not face any difficulties. CM Revanth Reddy and Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao held a review meeting with Agriculture Department officials at the Secretariat on the preparedness for the ensuing kharif season. The officials briefed the Chief Minister that adequate seeds and fertilisers are already made available in all districts in view of high paddy and cotton cultivation in the ensuing faming season. Seeds of all companies which are in demand will also be stocked in the market. Assuring the farmers that there is no need to worry about fertilisers and seeds, the Chief Minister said that, this time, farmers should pay attention to the IMD forecast in view of early onset of the monsoon season and every possibility of early rains in the State. Farmers are advised to take up crop plantation at the right time and stop buying spurious seeds. He also suggested the farmers stop buying loose seeds and keep the bills and seed packet details with them until the end of the harvest season.
