KUCHING: The state government will transform the agricultural sector by modernising and commercialising its supply and value chains.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Sarawak would adopt new business models with the application of the latest production technology, while leveraging on information communication technology and digital technology.
“We aim to be a net exporter of food by 2030,” he said at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the state government and Borneo Stingless Bee Sdn Bhd at Wisma Bapa here today. “Thus, we have initiated close collaboration with the private sector, which has the technology, management expertise, capital and ready access to both the domestic and global markets.
“We need the injection of private sector investment into the state’s economy through the agricultural sector.”
Douglas said the state government signed an MoU with Rimbunan Hijau Sdn Bhd to develop the kelulut (stingless bee honey) industry last month.
“Therefore, with the second MoU today, we now have two anchor companies developing the stingless bee (honey) industry.
“They will involve and assist smallholders throughout the state, particularly in marketing.
“We hope this collaboration will boost the incomes of our farmers.”
Douglas said Borneo Stingless Bee and Rimbunan Hijau would carry out research and development in kelulut honey production, transfer and exchange knowledge, produce and collect quality and hygienic honey, and promote the product in the domestic and export markets.
Borneo Stingless Bee, which operates a processing factory in Kota Kinabalu, has the capacity to produce 15 tones of kelulut honey monthly. Its export markets include China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea and the Middle East.
Last year, the company sourced 13 tones of kelulut honey from Sarawak farmers.