Sarawak pushes youth into modern agriculture to boost food security

KUCHING (Dec 3): Sarawak is intensifying efforts to safeguard food security by modernising agriculture and attracting young people to the sector, said Food Industry, Community and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

Speaking after his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Tuesday, Dr Rundi outlined his ministry’s priorities: protecting food security, uplifting farming and fishing communities, and accelerating technology adoption to make agriculture appealing to youth.

He noted that Sarawak’s farming population is ageing, stressing the need to create an environment where young people see agriculture as a viable and profitable career.

“We have to develop the agricultural sector into a more conducive and comfortable space. That means dedicated areas like agri-parks, fishing and farming hubs, and the use of IoT (Internet of Things) and mechanisation,” he said.

Dr Rundi emphasised the importance of changing perceptions.

“I want youth to see agriculture not as dirty of difficult work but as a money-making future,” he said.

He urged graduates to not dismiss agriculture simply because it is not office-based, highlighting its potential for profit.

To shift mindsets, the ministry is highlighting high-earning crops such as pineapple, banana, avocado, grain corn, and selected jungle produce.

Dr Rundi cited that tannish at RM8 per kilogramme yields about RM8,000 per tonne, compared with RM730 per tonne for oil palm.

“Despite higher margins, many farmers continue with oil palm due to its established supply chain—a model the food production sector aims to replicate.”

He stressed that agriculture must move beyond ‘business as usual’ by embracing modern systems and stronger industry support.

“With these changes, Sarawak aims to raise household income for farming families to RM15,000 per month by 2030.

The government will continue investing in infrastructure and support services to uplift rural communities.”