Early 2025 set as completion date for food basket devt project building in Spaoh

BETONG (Sept 18): The Food Basket Development Project building in Spaoh here is expected to reach completion by early next year.

The physicalworks are making significant progress, with progress rate nearing 70 per cent, according to Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda).

“Once completed, the site will function as a collection, processing and packaging centre (CPPC) for agricultural products, playing a crucial role in advancing local agricultural development.

“This initiative underscores our commitment to transforming rural Sarawak into an economic powerhouse through targeted socio-economic development projects. Additionally, plans are underway to establish another CPPC at Sungai Baji in Sarikei.

“This new centre aims to empower the local farmers, boost agricultural outputand enhance food security in the SCORE (Sarawak Corridor of Renewal Energy) region,” said the regional authority in a statement.

Recoda chief executive officer Datu Ismawi Ismuni during a recent site visit said they are dedicated towards ensuring such projects will have a lasting impact on the rural communities through the provision of essential infrastructure to support agricultural growth.

“The development of CPPCs not only stimulates local economies, but also strengthens food security, which is vital for the region’s prosperity,” he said.

Recoda recently formalised a series of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Carus Group, Nex Ecoventure and Samling Group, all aimed at optimising production, managing equipment, overseeing supply chainsand enhancing operational efficiency at the CPPC and also the Integrated Highland Agriculture Station (IHAS) in Betong, Sarikei and Long Banga.

“The collaboration also focuses on empowering local farmers through knowledge transfer, and promoting sustainability with eco-friendly agricultural practices,” said Ismawi.

“Through these efforts, Recoda is advancing Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 by fostering socio-economic resilience, ensuring sustainable infrastructure development, and prioritising community-driven growth.”

The Food Basket Development Project in Spaoh aligns with the federal government’s Food Basket initiative.

Recoda is tasked with spearheading development projects in the SCORE region, focusing on attracting investors, infrastructure growthand socio-economic transformation meant to bridge the urban-rural divideand increase the household income and standard of living for local Sarawakians in the interior areas across the state.