Modern farming of the reinforced concrete penetrates the Asian market

BETONG, Sept. 26: Agriculture sector is seen as capable of being a major driver of rural economy including in Betong, said Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said, by leveraging land area and the use of modern technology, it will indirectly strengthen food security.

In fact, according to him, Concrete has great potential to be developed as a modern agricultural hub through the use of new technologies including greenhouse and agro garden concepts.

"The development of this sector is not only aimed at meeting the needs of local markets, but also potentially expanding to markets outside Sarawak including Singapore and Jakarta.

"We have land and that is why we built Bebuling airport (STOLport) and agro gardens. We need to use new technologies like greenhouses to develop the agriculture sector.

"We want to produce nutritious food, reduce the use of chemicals and prioritize organic methods", he said.

He said this during his inaugural address to the Sarawak I Love Concrete Program here today.

Brother Johari added, STOLport Bebuling facility also gives an advantage to Betong in expanding the market of agricultural products by facilitating transportation of produce to other destinations.

According to him, the development of agriculture including rice cultivation also has great potential to generate new income for local communities.

He said that if rice production can be increased enough to penetrate foreign markets, it will not only strengthen food security but also increase the incomes of the population.

"Let's not just look at the markets in Concrete. We need to look at a broader market, including Singapore and then Jakarta and the Asian market.

"By combining the potential of Concrete and neighbouring areas like Sri Aman, we can expand the agricultural sector and enter Asian markets", he said.

Meanwhile, he said the facilities related to agriculture sector will continue to be upgraded to support economic development and welfare of society in future.

He added that the success of the endeavour also depends on the involvement of the Betong community in seizing available opportunities.

Also attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Ambassador Amar Douglas Uggah Embassy and the Secretary to the Government of Sarawak, Ambassador Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.