BETONG: Farmers should carry out activities that are easy to do and capable of producing results as well as generating income in a short span of time.
This was suggested by Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu.
This, he said, would be in addition to their primary activities.
“Go for the low-hanging fruit species. This will allow you to generate some income in the shortest time,” he advised farmers before attending a briefing on the implementation of Agriculture Facilitation Fund (AFF) projects at the Betong Divisional Agriculture Office here on Thursday.
Political secretary to the chief minister Dr Richard Rapu represented Bukit Saban assemblyman cum Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the meeting.
Rentap said a good example was the production of the traditional Iban kasam ikan or fermented fish for sale by longhouse folk themselves.
“There is always demand for this dish among the community,” he said.
He said that in order for production to be sustainable, the supply chain must be established and sustained.
He said those interested could apply for financial assistance and inputs from the Agriculture Department.
“The department is providing plastic tanks, water pumps, and the fish fry under its inland fish breeding scheme.
“But there must be passion and commitment; we do not want people to run hot and cold in the undertaking. This would be a waste of funds,” said Rentap.
At the meeting, he also presented a grant of RM10,000 to the Betong Divisional Agriculture Office recreational club.
Also present at the meeting were Betong Divisional Agriculture Officer Petrus Kang and his officers.
