By Nia Natasha Hasenan
KUCHING: Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi proposed that 72 Saberkas branches throughout the state to use modern technology in agriculture.
Apart from carrying out the various youth activities that are always carried out by Saberkas, Abdul Rahman have discussed with his committee how the youth can get involved in agricultural activities utilising modern technology.
“In fact, Saberkas has already started back in 2016 on 12 acres in Kota Samarahan. After that, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg approved 42 acres in Kuala Paloh for modern agricultural activities,” he said when officiating at the opening ceremony of Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) for Pantai Damai Constituency at Dewan Jamilah Yayasan Sarawak, Jalan Sultan Tengah here on Saturday (Oct 24).
Dr Abdul Rahman, who is also Pantai Damai assemblyman, said the land proposed was indeed suitable, as it was proven that the area is suitable for agriculture.
“All we need are young people to be directly involved in these activities,” he said.
“Adults have many other commitments, so there is a lack of time to focus on more sophisticated programmes like this. That is why the opportunities are open to the younger generation.
According to Abdul Rahman, by 2030 Sarawak will be the largest major food producer in Malaysia.
“We will strive to become the main food producer in the next 10 years … to make Sarawak a food basket,” he said.
A starter kit worth RM100 was distributed to all the participants to start agricultural activities at home.
He also announced an agricultural competition in six months’ time for those who had just started to win lucrative prizes.
“We will send agricultural officers to evaluate their activities. After six months we will gather participants for the second series of AgriCOP.
“The competition will boost enthusiasm and motivate the participants to continue to venture into agriculture,” he said
