KUCHING: Increased productivity and collaborative efforts from farmers in the various regions is the key to spearheading the farming industry forward.
State Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said with farmers and the ministry working together, increased yields and better production could happen.
As such, he reminded the ministry that it was important to get out of the comfort zone, to facilitate and be able to transform the B40 groups.
“We have to change our ways of doing things, continue to read and learn from those within our country and other countries as well.
“We have seen how Thailand and the Dutch do it in terms of production and marketing that can control prices.
“We have seen how in Keningau, Sabah they have managed to minimise wastage which shows that everything can be utilised,” he said.
Dr Rundi, who was representing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, was speaking at the Ministry for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak Family Appreciation Dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last night.
He added that a change of mindset was necessary and that those involved in the ministry and agriculture must change their mindset.
In saying that, he pointed out that Sarawak now has a Farmers’ Association which is a cooperative body with its own ecosystem.
“This is the effort and vision that can be seen that not only see the farmers working hard, but also can form a better commercial system.
“With that too, we can also join forces with the main players and farmers to help coordinate a collective effort to increase the income of farmers who are in the B40 category”, he said.
Earlier, Dr Rundi presented the Outstanding Service Award to eight staff members of the ministry.
Also present at the appreciation dinner were Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn; the deputy ministers for the Ministry for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Rahman Ismail and Martin Ben and ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Edwin Abit.
