Betong Division Devt Agency seeks to emulate Thailand’s advanced agricultural practices

Betagro Corporation vice president Phontakorn Wongchareon (front row, left) briefs Uggah (front row, second left) and the Sarawak delegation on the corporation's products at Betagro Food Innovation Centre in Thailand.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 4: The Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) is looking to Thailand for inspiration in advancing its agricultural development, particularly through learning from the country’s expertise in the sector.

According to a press release, Sarawak Deputy Premier and BDDA chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who led a Sarawak delegation on a benchmarking tour to Thailand, emphasised the country’s agricultural achievements.

“This is why we chose Thailand and are visiting farming corporations, especially those near Bangkok,” Uggah said during a visit to Ratchaburi Province, known for its aromatic coconut varieties, mangoes, guavas, pineapples, and other tropical fruits.

He added that Thailand’s similar climatic conditions to Sarawak and its position within the Asean region made it an ideal country to learn from.

The delegation visited the Thai Coconut Company, renowned for producing export-quality coconut products, including coconut milk, coconut water, desiccated coconut, and even pet food and plant-based substitutes.

“Thailand is well-known for its highly developed food industry, which begins with planting materials and continues through production, processing, and marketing.

“We can see that Thailand has a very sophisticated overall supply chain. They are extremely well-organised, which is something we want to emulate.

“Another advantage is that Thailand has a global market network, which helps farmers sell their products,” Uggah remarked.

One of BDDA’s major concerns, the BDDA chairman explained, is ensuring that Sarawak’s produce—whether vegetables, fruits, or livestock—can successfully reach markets, allowing farmers to increase their income.

“So, for the BDDA team, this trip provides valuable exposure and learning opportunities.

“It gives them food for thought in their efforts to help Betong farmers develop, commercialise their ventures, and eventually market their products outside of the state and beyond,” he noted.

Uggah, who is also Sarawak Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), further reiterated that the primary goal of the BDDA is to find ways to improve people’s livelihoods and increase their income.

“However, proper planning, guidance, and management of the entire supply chain are required to ensure not only quantity but also quality.

“We have the land, and we have people who know how to work hard. We also have agropreneurs that are ready to collaborate with investors,” he added, noting that Sarawak’s recognition as a green energy hub would be another plus in attracting investors.

Reflecting on the team’s visit to Betagro Food Innovation Centre, Uggah described it as an ‘exciting eye-opener’.

He praised Betagro Corporation as a world-class agro-food company, established 57 years ago, with a comprehensive supply chain from farm to slaughterhouse, processing, and packaging.

“Betagro is constantly innovating and developing food products to fit the modern lifestyle and the future.

“The corporation takes pride in its smart farming practices, antibiotic-free livestock breeding, and its own world-class laboratory and biosecurity measures,” he said.

The press release further stated that the corporation exports its products to over 20 countries and employs 34,000 people across 150 production facilities and 35 subsidiaries, generating USD3.15 billion in revenue last year.

The minister also expressed interest in collaborating with Betagro in marketing Sarawak’s products, but emphasised the importance of maintaining high-quality standards.

Joining Uggah on the visit were BDDA deputy chairmen Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu (Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport, and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) and Layar assemblyman) and Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam (Sarawak Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) and Saribas assemblyman), as well as several other State representatives. — DayakDaily