KUCHING: A total of 11 young entrepreneurs have received the In Kind Contribution (IKC) grants from the Institute of Agriculture Research and Development (Mardi) to improve their current projects.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Deputy Minister, Datuk Anthony Nogeh Gumbek told a press conference this after launching the Stingless Bee Farming Workshop organised by Mardi at the Bau Civic Centre here yesterday.
He pointed out that agriculture was one of the main sectors that had received serious attention from the government in its efforts to encourage youths, especially those in the B40 and M40 groups, to be involved in agriculture.
“I believe this programme will open up opportunities for the youths to interact with the government and at the same time benefit from the entrepreneurship packages offered, in terms of grants, technology packages and also advice for the agro activity.
“It also exposes youths to the business field and makes them understand the role of government departments and agencies in helping them in their ventures,” Nogeh added the programme also encouraged the young entrepreneurs to be more competitive and proactive.
He revealed that the farming of the Stingless Bees had contributed about RM66 million a year to the agriculture industry.
“Many assume that the Stingless Bee are unable to produce large quantities of honey through the normal farming techniques but the Stingless Bee farming technology that has been introduced by Mardi has successfully increased the production of the honey,” said Nogeh, adding that the Mardi technique had produced up to two kilogrammes of honey per colony in a month.
Meanwhile, Stingless Bee entrepreneur, Mohamad Faizul Nizam Mat Posa, 36, from Lundu said that he was thankful to the government for providing the workshop and for the grants to help young entrepreneurs in the state.
“I am very satisfied with the workshop content which has improved our knowledge in this industry,” said Mohamad Faizul.
Hamzah Alex, 33, also from Lundu ,was confident that the workshop would benefit the local entrepreneurs.
Also present at the launching ceremony of the workshop were Serembu State Assemblyman, Miro Simuh, Mardi Sarawak Director, Mohammad Noor Adros and Mardi Promotion Director, Hassan Said.
