SARIKEI: A regional food terminal will be built at the Sungai Baji Agro Park here this year to manage the distribution and marketing of agricultural produce there.
According to Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), construction is expected to begin in the middle of this year and concluded by 2024.
The structure will have four loading bays to handle the arrival of produce from sellers, a section for the packaging of goods to be carried out by wholesale tenants, another section for the storage of goods ready for pickup and a buyer’s corridor and pickup area.
RECODA also said the high-priority commercial fruits, vegetables and dried agro-processed products that have been identified include bananas, pineapples, coconuts, durians and leafy vegetables.
It said that these products have large global market demand, downstream opportunities and a strong existing base, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Earlier on Saturday (Apr 2), Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi made a working visit to the Sungai Baji Agro Park project site.
There he was briefed on ongoing projects primarily aimed to benefit the local anchor and contract farmers.
The 127-hectare agro park, which is located 5km from Sarikei town, will feature greenhouses, food terminals, incubators and a training facility.
Julaihi was accompanied by Deputy Minister Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
They were also briefed on smart farming plans to increase local youth participation in agriculture.
