‘State govt committed in improving rural economy’
MIRI: The state government’s cattle integration programme to boost the income of oil palm smallholders and plantation owners and reduce the state’s beef import bill shows its seriousness in improving the rural economy holistically.
In stating this, Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail assured that technical support, skills development and other forms of assistance would be extended to participants of the programme.
He made these remarks at the end of his field tour of Karabungan Agriculture Station in Subis District and a site visit to the oil palm farm owned by Regina Mapang, a participant of Cattle Pawah Programme ( CPP), at Sungei Gelau in Beluru District yesterday to take a look at the cattle at her farm.
He was accompanied by his wife Dayang Maimunah Awang Mohd Daud, Miri Division veterinary officer Dr Sylmie al Harir, Miri division agriculture officer Jackson Nanta and assistant Miri division veterinary officer Zul Stephen.
“The government is there to support and assist participants, and is encouraging more people in the state to take up this scheme and other programmes by the Department of Agriculture and Department of Veterinary Services,” he said.
He praised Regina for taking up the programme.
“It takes two hands to clap, and the government will come in to assist those who are serious and willing to work hard to make the programme a success,” he said.
Regina thanked the state government and Dr Abdul Rahman for approving her application to join the CPP scheme and their continuous support to her as an oil palm smallholder and livestock farmer with limited resources.
Earlier on at Karabungan Livestock Station, Dr Abdul Rahman was updated on the current status of the land use, its role and animals for distribution to applicants by Dr Sylmie.
According to her, the station would be distributing 139 Bali bulls and heifers to successful applicants and would then focus on pig rearing while winding down the poultry sector this year.