DUN Sarawak: Livestock food subsidies aimed at helping alleviate farmers' costs

KUCHING, 14 Oct: The Sarawak government is sometimes introduced a targeted feed subsidies program to help local farmers reduce operating costs and increase local meat production.

Member of the Serembu State Legislative Assembly (ADUN), Miro Simuh said that the aid was appropriate to focus on small farmers and rural entrepreneurs engaged in cattle, goats and sheep farming.

According to him, the high cost of livestock feed is one of the main challenges for the industry as it directly affects farmers' production costs and profit margins, thus making it difficult for them to expand operations.

"In this regard, I urge the government to strengthen support for cattle breeding and fattening farms, improve access to funding and quality livestock breeding as well as encourage cooperation between government agencies, private investors and local farmers", he said.

He said this while discussing the Bill (Bill) on Supplies 2027 at the 19th Sarawak DUN Congress today.

Under the Sarawak Budget 2027, RM24.57 million is allocated for development of farming industry including RM18.5 million for quality livestock breeding and RM3.37 million for commercial farming development.

The allocation also includes support for farming stations, development services and promotional activities.

Miro said Sarawak should strengthen local food production capacity to reduce dependence on imports and enhance the state's food security.

According to him, the development of a complete supply chain covering agriculture, processing, packaging and marketing, is also important for expanding economic opportunities as well as creating sustainable income sources for rural communities.