Dr Rundi: New farmers organisation complex in Kota Samarahan expected to be game changer

KOTA SAMARAHAN (Sept 5): The newly built Sarawak State Farmers Organisation (PPNS) complex is anticipated to be a game changer for local farmers, offering improved facilities to help them tap into more profitable markets, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

According to the Minister of Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development (M-Ficord), the new facilities will equip farmers with the necessary guidance on sales management and help them expand their market reach.

He said Sarawak has over 9,600 products and more farmers are encouraged to market their products through the platforms given by PPNS.

“PPNS cannot reject any farmer. We have to look at the potential of each farmer and advise them which products have the best marketability.

“Sometimes, some of these products require consistent supply as some of them are seasonal or available year-round.

“Durian and other fruits are seasonal, but once we have these seasonal fruits, we must go downstream and process them so the sale will be continued,” said Dr Rundi during a media briefing after his work visit to the new PPNS complex here today.

Speaking on the new PPNS complex, Dr Rundi said it will function as a one-stop centre for agricultural retail and downstream activities.

He emphasised that the ministry’s objective is to provide those in Sarawak’s agricultural sector with access to a comprehensive supply chain, covering everything from production to retail.

Covering around 5.84 acres, the facility is scheduled to be officially inaugurated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Sept 25.

PPNS also plans to build a warehouse for agricultural input and transportation, cold rooms for farmers’ products, and an export facility area for customs clearance.

Among the new building’s facilities are Peladang e-Shop, a hall, a business centre, a seedling courtyard, agri-input kiosks, a farmers market, a sales gallery, a cafeteria and a prayer room.

By 2025, the centre will also feature an open space for festivals and events.

Meanwhile, Dr Rundi also revealed that 22 vendors from Sarawak will participate in the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism (Maha) 2024 exhibition.

M-Ficord deputy permanent-secretary Sayed Ismail Nasiruddin Wan Hashim said the signature products that will be brought to the exhibition would be gula apong, tilapia and terubok, kolon mee and laksa.