Transforming agriculture sector remains a priority, says Uggah
KUCHING: The Ministry of the Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development (MANRED) will continue to prioritise the transformation of the state’s agriculture sector.
Its minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said he was deeply committed for the sector to be a dynamic, modern, and progressive one where modern production technologies would be among its prominent features.
“The successful transformation will mean we will be able to produce in greater quantity and quality.
“It will also mean we will be able to increase the income of our farmers and eradicate the remnants of rural poverty,” the Deputy Chief Minister said when officiating at MANRED appreciation dinner at Damai Puri Resort in Santubong near here on Friday.
He added Sarawak would then be a net food exporter by 2030 which is the very vision of the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Uggah said towards this end, all officers of the ministry and department should pull up their socks to ensure this priority is achieved.
“We all have very important mission for our beloved state.
“We have been allocated a budget of RM450 million under the 11th Malaysia Plan.
“There should not be any halfhearted or lackadaisical attitude,” he said.
On the dinner gathering, he congratulated organising chairman and MANRED permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik for the function which he said was an opportune platform for all officers and their families to get to know each other on more personal level.
“This can contribute to creating a more cordial, better harmony thus more conducive working atmosphere for all,” he said.
The evening also saw the presentations of excellent service awards to officers as well as the presentation of appreciation awards to those retiring and those on transfer to other departments next year.
Present at the gathering were his wife Datin Amar Doreen Mayang and Assistant Minister of Native Land Datuk Roland Sagah and Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and their wives.
Also present were a political secretary Dr Richard Rapu, Agriculture Department director Alvin Chai and director of the state Veterinary Service Department Dr Adrian Susin.
Later Uggah announced a grant of RM40,000 for the MANRED social and family club, while Sagah and Dr Abdul Rahman gave RM20,000 each.