Move towards technology-based agriculture

BY GABRIEL LIHAN & NUR ATIQAH QURATULAINI KUCHING: The agriculture industry is incorporating technological components in its process for it to be future-proof and attract younger talents. Department of Agriculture (DOA) paddy and grain division senior assistant director Jafaruddin Ali said presently the industry has been modernised. “We must understand the background of paddy cultivation. […]

Plant paddy at home? Possible future indeed, says DOA rep

BY GABRIEL LIHAN & NUR ATIQAH QURATULAINI KUCHING: Planting paddy at home could potentially be a future norm as Sarawak looks to emulate countries such as Taiwan and Japan. In stating this, the senior assistant director of paddy and grain division, Jafaruddin Ali from the Department of Agriculture (DOA), noted that paddy can be grown […]

Department focuses on RD&I for better returns

THE Department of Agriculture (DOA) Sarawak has been tasked to conduct agricultural research, development and innovation (RD&I) activities suitable to the various agro-ecological zones. Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said DOA is aggressively promoting precision farming and the use of internet of things (IoT) technologies in […]

Saraspice plays host Japanese clients

KUCHING: Saraspice Sdn Bhd had the pleasure of hosting a two-day visit for a group of Japanese clients who were eager to learn more about its operations here. The visit began with a dialogue session together with representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DOA) Sarawak and the Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) which took place at Pullman […]

RM22 million to ensure self-sufficiency in fruits

The Department of Agriculture (DOA) Sarawak has been allocated a total of RM22 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan to expand the production of durian, pineapple, coconut, banana, and high-value vegetables. Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said to date, 250 hectares of durian, 330 hectares of […]

Dr Stephen recommends only relevant assistance to curb waste

KUCHING: State government assistance to the agriculture sector should be relevant and specific for meaningful benefits and to reduce wastage. Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that instead of assuming what assistance farmers and smallholders needed, there should be a new approach whereby these industry players provided […]

Huge potential in bee farming

KUCHING: Honey bee and stingless bee farming has the potential for expansion. This is because Sarawak has the advantage in terms of diversity of natural resources. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the kelulut (stingless bee) industry was estimated to exceed RM60mil and expected to increase every year. “Therefore, the kelulut industry […]

MoA on food production programmes inked

KUCHING: The state government today inked two memorandums of agreement (MoA) on food production programmes with private investors. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas witnessed the signing on behalf of the government which was represented by the Agriculture Department. The agreements were signed between the state Agriculture Department and Green World Genetics Sdn […]

30 take part in course

TATAU: A total of 30 participants have received certificates for their participation in a human capital development course here last Thursday. The programme, organised by Agro-Food Section of Bintulu Division Agriculture Department, took place at Rh Luvak Joo, Sungai Jelai here for three days from Aug 10 to 13. Present to handover the certificates at […]

Uggah explains importance of food crops data

KUCHING: The Department of Agriculture (DOA) has been urged to update its data on food crops throughout the state for various purposes including keeping track of their potential for development. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stated that this was in line with the state government’s vision to make Sarawak a net exporter […]