Search

Improving Sarawak’s food security through agriculture

Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email
Dr Annuar delivering his speech.

SIBU: Agriculture is the best way to improve Sarawak’s food security, says Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.

The Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development said Sarawak was blessed with a large land mass that could be cultivated compared to many other countries.

“Taiwan for instance, they have a small land mass with a high population yet they can export their agricultural products and food.

“However, in Sarawak when we go to the supermarket, most of the agricultural products there are imported. We can only find local vegetables and fruits at the pasar tamu (weekend market).

“Hence, we need to have a drastic move to solve the lack of food security,” he said when officiating at the closing ceremony of the Bawang Assan Agricultural Community Outreach on Today (Nov 11).

Dr Annuar noted that the Agricultural Community Outreach Programme was a wise move to improve the agriculture sector, especially among youths.

“We must educate the youths that agriculture is not a ‘dirty’ or unglamourous career. This is a career that can generate good income.

“Take Australia for example, they have research and development in this matter. They are advanced in modern agriculture. In Malaysia, I think only Sabah is catching up.

“Thus, we need to emphasise this, especially among the youths. Agriculture is one of the best fields or sectors that we should fully utilise and take advantage of.”

Dr Annuar further explained that agricultural products needed to be commercialised and this would add on to other opportunities for entrepreneurs to further expand.

“That’s why young entrepreneurs play an important role. We have to find which segment of the market we can acquire or take on so that we can provide comprehensive benefits to our society.

“Agriculture is not just planting but an important downstream market that I think the youths can also play an important role in the future.

Download from Apple Store or Play Store.