FICORD advocates smart farming revolution in Sarawak, embracing IoT

Dr Rundi (centre) examines agriculture products with Wee (right) at the Livestock Aquaculture Agriculture Expo Sarawak 2023 at MBKS Community Hall today. Photo courtesy of Dato Wee Hong Seng's Facebook page

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Nov 24: The future of Sarawak’s farming community lies in the adoption of smart farming techniques, utilising the Internet of Things (IoTs) and cutting-edge technologies, according to the Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development (FICORD), Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

Rundi Utom envisions that integrating modern approaches into agriculture will attract more individuals to farming, enhance productivity, and promote self-sufficiency.

In proposing this forward-looking strategy, he emphasised that leveraging new methods could address the challenge of an aging farming population and introduce attractive technologies to engage the younger generation.

“Young people are hesitant to work under the sun, and to draw them into farming, we need to demonstrate a new way of doing things – hence, smart farming,” stated Dr Rundi before the launch of the Livestock Aquaculture Agriculture (LAA) Expo Sarawak 2023 on behalf of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Kuching City South Council (MBKS) Community Hall today.

He expressed hope that embracing modern farming practices would not only develop Sarawak’s agricultural sectors but also ensure a sufficient food supply.

Dr Rundi conveyed his admiration for the various new technologies and farming machines designed to revolutionize traditional farming methods.

“If we continue with the old traditional ways, the farmers, especially the younger generation, would not achieve success,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hon Seng expressed optimism that the agriculture sector would remain a key industry driver for Sarawak, supporting numerous communities.

He endorsed the Sarawak Government’s ambition for the agricultural sector to transform into a net food exporter by 2030, envisioning a sustainable and technology-based approach to ensure food security and generate income for the farming community.

“This envisions a sustainable and technology-based sector to ensure food security and generate income for the farming community,” he affirmed. — DayakDaily