KUCHING: The state government plans to set up its first Modern Agricultural Excellence Centre in Malaysia at the Rampangi Agricultural Station here.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this in his speech at the launching of the Department of Agriculture Sarawak research officers’ meeting here yesterday. The speech was read by Assistant Agriculture Minister Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail
“With this centre, I expect the Sarawak Agriculture Department officers and researchers to conduct more studies that combine digital technology and Internet of Things (ioT) for the development of the agricultural industry in the state,” said Uggah, adding that meetings had been held between his ministry, industry experts and consultants on the concept of the centre.
Uggah, who is also Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister, pointed out that digital technology was increasingly used in agriculture.
“I am pleased our research officers are the pioneers in the state to adapt the use of digital technology in research work as well as to produce their agricultural produts,” he added. Uggah hoped agricultural entrepreneurs would also use technology.
He revealed that Sarawak had identified four crops with export potential, namely, durian, pineapple, banana and coconut.
Uggah said his ministry had been told to focus on the production of these crops to meet the demand of the local and foreign markets.
Research should be conducted on these crops, he added.
For the purpose of raising farm productivity and the farmers’ income to RM4,000 a month by 2030.
Uggah also said highlands in the state had the potential to grow sub-tropical crops.
“With the strong support of the government as well as participation by the private sector, highlands can be converted into commercial agricultural areas.
“I have instructed the state agriculture department to reactivate its station in Bario to conduct research on selected crops.
“Some of the potential crops that I believe can grow well in this area are broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, strawberries and grapes,” he explained.
“ I would like to suggest the agriculture department researchers conduct floriculture research in Bario, too,” said Uggah.
