Dr Rundi: Sarawak’s farmers must focus on food production to ensure steady supply for export
Disiarkan pada 10 Apr 2025
Sumber Berita: Borneo Post
Dr Rundi (centre) chats with one of the exhibitors on Empurau fish. At right is Chew. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (April 10): Farmers or agripreneurs in Sarawak should prioritise food production to maintain a steady supply of products for export markets, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
The Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister pointed out that while Sarawak’s products are in high demand abroad, the state’s agriculture sector continues to face challenges due to inconsistent local production – a key factor which prevents the industry from tapping fully into international markets.
He urged the Department of Agriculture to intensify its efforts in guiding farmers on crops with high market demand and called for the organisation of workshops to educate producers on the procedures required to maintain consistent output.
“To remain competitive globally, we need a steady and reliable supply.
“If we have a market but no supply, we simply cannot sustain the industry,” he was quoted as saying by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
He said this during his visit to the Sarawak Pavilion at Food & Hotel Asia-Food & Beverage (FHA-F&B) 2025 at Singapore Expo in Singapore yesterday.
Dr Rundi said the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 should empower farmers to earn better incomes, particularly through the adoption of modern farming techniques to overcome long-standing production issues.
At the same time, he urged farmers to shift their mindset and stop viewing agriculture as a low-income sector, stressing that the industry plays a vital role in ensuring national food security while offering substantial income potential.
On the FHA-F&B 2025 trade show, Dr Rundi described it as an ideal platform for Sarawak’s products to penetrate the global market.
“There is much to learn from other countries here from packaging standards to market expectations. It’s also a good opportunity to build international connections.
“However, before doing so, we must ensure there is supply continuity,” he stressed.
FHA-F&B 2025, touted as Asia’s largest food and beverage trade exhibition, runs from April 8-11 and features 80 pavilions with 1,500 exhibitors from over 50 countries and regions.
This year, the Sarawak Pavilion, coordinated by the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos), is showcasing 19 food and beverage companies.
Among those present were Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben; Statos chief executive officer Chew Chang Guan; and Department of Agriculture Sarawak director Dominic Chunggat.
