Jamit proposes ‘dabai park’ to capitalise on fruit’s popularity
KAPIT: The government should capitalise on the popularity of dabai ( black olives) by setting up a ‘dabai park’ here to aid its commercial growth, suggested Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat.
He said the ‘dabai park’, together with a collection, processing and packaging centre ( CPPC) will ensure stable income for local growers.
“Kapit is famous for its dabai which has a high price in the market. With just a sign saying ‘dabai dari Kapit’ (dabai from Kapit), a vendor can sell it for RM35 per kilogramme in Kuching. Although it is grown all over the state, Kapit definitely produces the best dabai,” he said.
Speaking to reporters following a briefing with Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail on Tuesday, Jamit said the government must focus on assisting and developing farmers to not only produce for the local market, but for export as well.
“When the road link from here to Sibu is completed in two to three years, Kapit will be connected to the rest of the state. So it is time we focus on what Kapit can contribute to the state economy.
“As the country moves towards digital economy and high-income society, our farmers should not only be producing for the local market, but look to export to larger markets much like durian growers, who are selling their fruits to China.”
He went on to stress the need for Kapit to have an agricultural training centre to benefit locals who are interested in farming, saying he had raised the matter during previous State Legislative Assembly sittings.
Tuesday’s briefing was in conjunction with Dr Abdul Rahman’s two- day working visit here, which ended yesterday.
Agriculture Department assistant director ( Commercial Crops) Dominic Chunggat and Kapit Agriculture Department assistant director Badin Tunor were among those present.