PAKAN: Pakan Agrofest continues to play a role as one of the important platforms in empowering Sarawak's agricultural sector, in line with the government's goals through the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030).

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom who stressed the need for a paradigm shift in lifting the agricultural sector to a higher level.

"As I said, we must change the old ways, we must use new ways, change the way of thinking so that we can empower the agricultural aspect as a source of income, especially for those in rural areas," he told reporters after officiating the programme at the Pakan Stadium on Monday.

He explained that Agrofest is the best platform to introduce modern agricultural approaches and technologies to the rural community and have a positive impact on increasing farmers' income.

“Thus, we can indirectly provide opportunities for small-scale farmers to increase their income.
“In the PCDS 2030 plan, we are targeting each family to earn not less than RM15,000 per year compared to RM6,000 in the initial target,” he added.

According to him, under PCDS 2030, the Sarawak government has identified the agriculture sector as one of the main sectors that will contribute to the state’s economic development.

It will emphasise four main focuses, namely increasing food security; making agriculture an important source of income for the government; increasing the income of farmers’ households; and making Sarawak a net exporter of food by 2030.

Earlier, in his welcoming speech, Pakan Assemblyman, Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom also expressed his appreciation for the success of organising this annual event.

“The organisation of a programme like this is very much in line with the government’s efforts in strengthening the agriculture, commodity and food industry sectors as one of the main drivers of rural economic development,” he said.

He also described Agrofest as an important initiative that not only showcases local produce and innovation, but also encourages the involvement of youth, agro-entrepreneurs and communities in the agro-industry.

For the record, in 2023, Pakan Agrofest recorded an attendance of 4,753 visitors with a total sales of RM139,641.50.

This year, the organisers are targeting an attendance of 5,000 visitors with a sales target of increasing to RM150,000.

He said that the Pakan District is also not left behind in terms of agricultural progress, where last year, SALCRA began the first phase of the 361-hectare oil palm plantation project out of the total 1,500 hectares planned in the Ulu Wak area, Pakan.

This district is also known for the production of vegetables such as ‘Kasam Ensabi’ and various local fruit products.

With the road infrastructure facilities improving and connecting the interior areas with the urban center, he said agriculture is expected to continue to grow rapidly and become a catalyst for the economic development of rural communities in Sarawak.

Also present were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak, Datu Sirai Daha; Sarikei Division Resident, Datu Michael Ronnie Langgong; Sarawak Agriculture Director, Dominic Chunggat; Heads of Departments, Community and Tribal Leaders and Pakan residents. - UKASnews