KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak State Farmers Organisation (PPNS) Agriculture Mini Expo 2025 is a step in the right direction in strengthening Sarawak's agro-food sector and fostering the interest of the younger generation to venture into modern and technology-driven agriculture.

Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD), Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom said the agriculture and commodities sectors are among the mainstays of rural development and are key contributors to the state's economy.

“Sarawak has vast land potential, rich natural resources, and growing expertise in modern and commercial agriculture.

“This mini expo provides important exposure to farmers on new technologies, smart farming methods and wider market access,” he said when officiating the expo which took place at the PPNS Building, here, on Friday.

He also expressed his appreciation to PPNS as the organiser for successfully bringing together various parties including government agencies, entrepreneurs, farmers, and local communities in an effort to elevate the agro-food sector.

Among the key highlights of the expo were exhibitions of local agricultural products, demonstrations of modern agricultural technologies, knowledge-sharing sessions with successful entrepreneurs, and sales of local agro-food products.

“I believe expos like this can attract young people to become agropreneurs, in line with the state government’s aspiration to produce more competitive and innovative agricultural entrepreneurs,” he said.

Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi added that PPNS plays an important role as a bridge between farmers, entrepreneurs, and government agencies in realising various initiatives to develop the state’s agricultural sector.

Therefore, he reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to support development efforts through policies, training, assistance, and provision of sustainable and resilient agricultural infrastructure.

He also called on all parties present to utilise this expo as a platform for learning, knowledge sharing, and collaboration towards making Sarawak's agriculture sector more dynamic and viable.

Also present were M-FICORD Deputy Minister and PPNS Chairman, Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Ismail, M-FICORD Deputy Minister, Datuk Martin Ben, Samarahan Division Resident, Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, Samarahan District Officer, Ahmad Abdul Razak, Director of the Department of Agriculture Sarawak, Dominic Chunggat, and PPNS General Manager, Gom Raway. -UKASnews