Sustainable agriculture requires innovation, R&D, says Dr Rundi

KUCHING (Oct 6): The agricultural industry players must constantly innovate and conduct research for the industry’s sustainability, said Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

In making this call at the opening of the Semenggok Agricultural Research Centre Open Day here yesterday, Dr Rundi highlighted the importance of implementing best agro-management practices to address the sector’s challenges.

“It is crucial to find solutions and implement practices that can overcome challenges in the industry. If crops are not properly managed, they will fail,” he said.

Research and development (R&D), as well as sustainable agricultural management, he added, are essential to maximize farmers’ productivity and yield.

The two-day event on Oct 4 to 5 was held to mark the Sarawak Agriculture Department’s 100th anniversary.

It featured exhibition booths by Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs), and JLH Fruit Plantation Enterprise, alongside side activities such as kids’ colouring competition, coffee processing and cooking demonstrations.

Also attending the event was the Advisor in the Premier’s Office for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, and Agriculture Department director Dominic Chunggat.