Sarawak can be country’s largest food basket – Nogeh

LUNDU: Sarawak has the potential to become the country’s largest food basket.

In stating that the state was heading towards that direction, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Datuk Anthony Nogeh Gumbek said it was in line with the government’s vision to make agriculture and precision farming as one of the sectors that contribute a lot to the state’s economy.

He noted that the abundance of land and the Pan Borneo Highway would make the vision achievable.

“The government of Sarawak has done a lot to help develop the agriculture sector in the state through many initiatives. I guess their efforts have paid off,” he said during the launching of ‘ Road to Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show 2018 ( Maha 2018) here yesterday.

Among the steps taken by the state government, he added, was the opening of agriculture marketing offices outside of Sarawak, using the latest technologies in farming.

He also said his ministry would work close with the state’s Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development to realise the dream of making Sarawak the country’s largest food basket.

“We will definitely work closely

The government of Sarawak has done a lot to help develop the agriculture sector in the state through many initiatives. I guess their efforts have paid off. Datuk Anthony Nogeh Gumbek, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry

in finding the best ways to help Sarawak achieve the dream. Sarawak definitely has the potential,” he said.

Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Abang Johari’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Uggah’s wife Datin Amar Doreen Mayang, Tanjong Datu assemblywoman Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Wan Junaidi’s wife Datin Seri Feona Junaidi and other officials.

Meanwhile during the event, Nogeh also hoped that Maha 2018 would receive encouraging support from entrepreneurs.

The many highlights of Maha 2018 include agrotourism, agro trade and agro lifestyle, along with the latest innovations and technological advancements to motivate young entrepreneurs to participate in agro-based industries as their career of choice.