DCCI urges Dayak folks not to miss out on Sarawak Agro Fund

KUCHING (Aug 23): The Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) urges Dayak farmers to take advantage of the benefits of the Sarawak Agro Fund.

According to DCCI secretary-general Libat Langub, smallholders in particular need financial resources to make the sector sustainable and inclusive.

“In view of such need, we believe the agro fund could address these issues. We hope our native businesses and farmers would be able to benefit either directly or indirectly from the fund,” he said during a briefing on the Sarawak Agro Fund, organised by DCCI at the Dayak Chamber Tower, Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here yesterday.

Libat said that for native agribusinesses to make the most out of the opportunities in the sector, there needs to be a sustainable shift from subsistence agriculture to a productive agricultural industry that allows farmers to take part in the market economy.

“Such a shift will involve far-reaching structural changes to boost production, productivity, and eventually, incomes for farmers,” he said.

Libat also stressed that increasing productivity and producing greater value from agriculture will help smallholder farmers see farming as a business activity rather than solely as a means of subsistence.

“Many of our agricultural value chain entrepreneurs lack financing, and many are not qualified to seek funding from commercial banks or finance providers.

“We believe agriculture-based inclusive growth is crucial to poverty alleviation and wealth creation,” he added.

Libat pointed out that most Dayaks have been involved in traditional, subsistence and village agriculture or farming, and he stressed that as the Sarawak government is promoting agribusiness as well as modern and smart farming, it would be timely for Dayak farmers to look at agriculture more as a business venture or agribusiness.

“Unfortunately, many of us in the native community lack the capital to start. In many rural areas, there is still lack of important infrastructures, such as electricity, water and good roads, along with the requirements for modern farming.

“It is, therefore, a challenge to those wanting to embark on this concept of modern or smart farming. Be that as it may, our native community has no other option but to find ways to adapt to this essential change in undertaking modern agricultural activities,” he added.

In voicing this out, Libat urged the relevant authorities to study and find ways in assisting these farmers who are mainly in rural areas.

He said he was delighted that DCCI members have come together to discuss agro funding with the Sarawak Land Development Board (SLDB).

Discussion also extended to the role of DCCI alongside Dayak farmers in realising the vast potential that agriculture offers to pull the community out of poverty.

The briefing gathered about 70 people, including DCCI president Dato Allan Keripin and notable members Dato Lt-Gen (Rtd) Stephen Mundaw and Temenggong Datuk Janggu Banyang.

SLDB’s Sarawak Agro Fund manager Vincent Mambu conducted the briefing and enlightened DCCI members on the agro fund as well as what the government has to offer.