Sarawak: Sarawak is educating farmers to transition from traditional methods to modern technologies in rice cultivation by utilising machinery and advanced tools. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative involves collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to convince farmers to embrace modern agricultural practices.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abang Johari stated that farmers are more likely to accept modern methods when they witness their effectiveness firsthand. The government has purchased machinery and provided it to farmers’ associations, which rent the machines to local farmers. Each farming family typically owns about two hectares of land for rice cultivation, and these machines can complete the work in just an hour. With this approach, the government aims to produce over 240,000 metric tons of rice, including contributions from small-scale farmers. The Sarawak Premier reaffirmed that the region aims to produce 240,000 metric tons of rice by 2030 to ensure a secure supply of the staple food.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick expressed the ministry’s commitment to developing entrepreneurs and cooperatives in Sabah and Sarawak under the country’s Look East initiative. He mentioned that, in line with Sarawak’s development plans, the ministry is confident in increasing the financing needed by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives in Sarawak. Last year, the ministry, through its implementing agencies such as Bank Rakyat and Tekun Nasional, disbursed RM1.08 billion in financing, benefiting 42,689 entrepreneurs and cooperatives in Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Bank Rakyat announced that the Digital Programme held in Gedong was the second series of the bank’s initiative to strengthen a cashless culture in rural communities. This initiative enables rural communities to make digital payments using MyDebit, DuitNow, and DuitNow QR, reducing the risks associated with carrying cash and facilitating more efficient transactions anytime, anywhere.