Go into agriculture instead of leaving land idle, Dayaks encouraged
MIRI: The Dayaks here are encouraged to not leave their land idle, but to use them to venture into agriculture activities such as the farming of pepper, oil palm, rubber, chillies and rice, as well as poultry breeding.
This call was made by Pemansang Dayak (PD) president Baba Emperan recently, who said the local Dayaks had always been synonymous with farming and poultry breeding.
“I would like to call upon members of the Dayak community here who have idle land, to undertake agriculture and plantation activities. Those who have NCR (native customary rights) land, this is the time to start developing them,” he said, adding that agriculture activities could contribute towards increasing food production in the state; thus reducing the influx of imported food.
“In order for the Dayaks to develop their land for agriculture purposes, the government must provide some assistance for them to start off,” said Baba.
He also expressed his hope that the once the Pan Borneo
I would like to call upon members of the Dayak community here who have idle land, to undertake agriculture and plantation activities. Those who have NCR (native customary rights) land, this is the time to start developing them. Baba Emperan, Pemansang Dayak president
highway reaches completion, the Dayak all over Sarawak would be able to market their produce extensively.
PD chairman for Julau branch, Semana Sawang echoed Baba’s call, adding that although prices of pepper and palm oil fluctuate, agriculture activities should go on as the farmers would benefit in the long run.
“In Julau, for example, pepper, oil palm and chillies are commonly planted. The prices sometimes go down, but the Dayaks should continue planting as these crops are in high demand,” said Semana.
He was also hopeful for the government to complement agriculture farming activities in Julau by having processing factories or local agents who could purchase the raw products directly from the local Dayak farmers to process before selling them.
PD chairman for Selangau branch, Seman Agan opined that the livelihood of many Dayaks still depends on farming and breeding of poultry.
“With funding and assistance from the government, Selangau folk can definitely improve their socio- economic status and penetrate the outside market.
“I also hope that the government could make provisions for agriculture and livestock breeding – or even fish fry for aquaculture, so that our farmers can tap into seafood market as well,” said Seman.