SIBU: Sarawak’s food trade balance deficit has risen since the last five years. In 2021, Sarawak recorded a deficit amounting to RM4.65bil, compared to RM3.86bil in 2018.
"To curb this deficit, my ministry has been actively pursuing the industrialisation of the agriculture sector," said Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
"Transforming it into a vibrant and profitable economic sector, shifting the sector from being associated with low income and unskilled jobs into a high-income profession that will attract youngsters and professionals," he added.
Speaking at the closing of a three-day the Senior Officers’ Conference (SOC) on Friday night (July 7), Stephen said that an emphasis would be given to establish more and larger designated farming areas, improve productivity and strengthen the food supply chain.
He added that other areas of emphasis will be to improve support systems and services, increase farmers’ knowledge and skills as well to ensure market compliance.
Stephen said agencies under the Ministry had to come up with KPIs which were to report to him on a frequent basis on six strategic thrusts.
This included ensuring food security, industrialising the agrofood sector, strengthening farm infrastructure, distribution and marketing of agriculture products, uplifting the livelihood of farmers and rural community, strengthening agro-commodity development, and unlocking potential of Native Customary Right land for agriculture.
"The KPIs that were set must be in line with our direction in which the activities and development stages have to be monitored closely," he said.
