KUCHING: 1,500 delegates from private and public institutions and organisations are attending the International Conference on Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry of Sarawak (ICAAS) 2017 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.
The two-day conference with the theme “Transforming Agriculture Through Commercialisation” also features 21 prominent local and international speakers and industry experts who will share with the delegates their latest knowledge, expertise and invaluable experience.
The conference objectives are to share knowledge and best practices in agriculture and the agro-based industry, to explore effective agriculture delivery systems in order to facilitate transformation of the agriculture sector and to identify opportunities in the utilisation of digital technology to leapfrog the development of sustainable and competitive agriculture.
It is organised by the Sarawak government, Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Sarawak, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak and Department of Agriculture Sarawak and supported by Sarawak Development Institute.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, in his welcoming address, said the sessions of the conference were divided into four tracks to ensure that the deliberation on the subject matters would be more focused for the benefit and interest of all speakers, moderators and delegates.
Under the first track on the modernization and commercialisation of the agriculture sector, he said, the focus would be on global perspective in respect of the present and future trends in agriculture. These included the application of new technologies, impact of climate change, and the supply and demand of agriculture produce.
The second track, on the journey towards transformed agriculture, showcases and shares the success stories of the agriculture industry from different parts of the world.
The stakeholders’ integration along the supply chain will be deliberating on the third track, where the speakers will share on the enabling factors and strategies along the supply chain that will transform the agriculture sector into a globally competitive industry.
The fourth and final track, Uggah said, was on digital agriculture, taking cognition of the state’s new strategic focus as expounded by Chief Minister.
He said the track was important as the focus was on how to harness the power of digital technology for real-time decisions and smart agriculture applications to transform the agriculture industry into a modern, competitive and sustainable sector.
In conjunction with the conference, an exhibition was also organised; 75 booths have been set up to provide opportunities to local entrepreneurs, institutions and organisations to showcase their new ideas, products and innovations. The produce and products of successful local entrepreneurs are not just for display but also for sale at reasonable prices.
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg launched ICAAS 2017 yesterday.
