RM400k for beef cattle project in Bau

BAU: The Sarawak government has allocated RM400,000 for a pioneer beef cattle rearing project in Kampung Merembeh involving the Bidayuh community in Bau, about 45 kilometres from Kuching city.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said beef cattle production had good potential, could meet current demands and reduce dependence on imported beef.
“Beef production has a very bright future as Sarawak is currently capable of producing only 12 percent of beef demand and this effort is the first step in turning Sarawak into a beef production state or net exporter of agrofood by 2030.
“So we will begin this project in Kampung Merembah as this area is suitable and has potential,” Uggah, who is also Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, said in his speech at the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (Agricop) here yesterday (Oct 29).
He also announced an additional allocation of RM500,000 for the construction of a cattle barn under the project in addition to supplying 150 head of cattle, 120 of which are loaned under a cattle programme, while the remaining 30 are part of a grant from the Livestock Breeding Grant Programme.
“The Veterinary Services Department will be responsible for monitoring all development work and to provide relevant input to ensure the project will run smoothly and be a success,” he said.
In Sarawak, there are only 18,000 head of cattle, which is low compared to other states and insufficient to meet the high demand, especially during festive seasons, Uggah said.
“Therefore, we are aiming to increase the total to 150,000 or 50 percent of the self-sufficiency level and this programme is the government’s hope to realise this target.
“Various other initiatives will be introduced such as integrating cattle in oil palm plantations as these plantations are extensive in the state and can accommodate 150,000 cows,” he said. – Bernama