The agriculture sector still remains as one of the top contributors to the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
It was announced during the 2021 State Budget that the agriculture sector contributed 12.1 per cent or RM16.5 billion to the state’s GDP last year and recorded a State Agriculture Trade Balance surplus of RM6.9 billion.
To further strengthen the agriculture industry in Sarawak, the Ministry of Modernization of Agriculture, Native land and Regional Development (MANDRED) Sarawak has introduced high impact projects that provide assistance aid to involved in the agriculture sector.
During a recent interview with the ministry’s permanent secretary, Encik Edwin Abit shared several recent high impact projects by MANDRED that benefits the farmers and small shareholder in the agriculture sector.
Modern Variety Rice Seed Production Project
In 2020, the Department of Agriculture (DOA) Sarawak started the MR269 rice seed production program in the Sri Aman Division, where it harvested 100 metric tonnes of MR269 rice seed varieties in Tanjung Bijat, Stumbin and Pantu.
These paddy seeds will be distributed free of charge to farmers in various paddy cultivation areas such as Tanjung Purun in Kuching Division and Skuduk-Chupak in Serian Division.
The Government plans to introduce the new MR297 rice seed variety to farmers, implement a seed certification program, and strengthen the supply chain through the involvement of the private sector and selected Area Farmers’ Organizations (PPK).
Agricultural Input Assistance to Oil Palm & Pepper Smallholders
As of this year, the Government has approved an allocation of RM60 million to assist smallholders of oil palm and pepper.
This assistance is expected to benefit around 40,450 oil palm and 36,290 pepper smallholders in Sarawak.
Fishermen’s Monsoon Assistance Aid (BMTN)
In 2020, a total of RM8.61 million was disbursed under BMTN in the form of cash assistance to 5,733 participants, where each fisherman receives RM300 per month for five months (January, February, March, November and December).
Fishermen Input and Fishing Equipment Assistance (BIPN)
Under BIPN, a total of RM20 million has been allocated to assist about 10,000 participants through the provision of fishing equipment to participants.
Farm Infrastructure Program
This program ensures connectivity between the farmers and the markets.
Under the Farm Infrastructure Program, 2000 kilometres of farm roads are build with a total cost of RM125 million, where it is has benefitted more than 28, 000 participants across Sarawak.
Contract Farm Program 2.0
The Contract Farm Program 2.0 is a cooperation between the State and the Federal Government in providing marketing facilities and market access to farmers to sell agricultural products.
