Knowledge sharing, peer support vital to advancing agriculture sector, says Sabah Asst Minister

KOTA KINABALU: Agriculture is the core of a nation’s food security and economic development, says Sabah Assistant Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, Peto Galim.

“In order to make this sector a success, we must promote joint efforts and have a spirit of togetherness among the agricultural community,” he said during a recent farming training workshop here.

He said these efforts include knowledge sharing and encouragement among farmers to continue seeking advancement in this industry.

“Agriculture is not just a job, but a calling to preserve and protect this fertile earth. With the spirit of mutual cooperation, we are able to build a brighter future for our country’s agriculture sector,” Peto said.

The two-day training organised by Panasaran Pelangi Sdn Bhd (PPSB) saw Korean and local farmers exchange and share knowledge on organic farming among other matters at the Sabah state library on Jan 23 and Jan 24.

During the event, PPSB managing director George Chong said the training is to introduce Sabahans to Korean organic farming technology for lower cost farming as well as to transfer the knowledge of cassava farming potential in Sabah.

PPSB has a cassava starch mill in Kudat with capacity to process 200 tonnes of cassava daily to produce 50 tonnes of cassava starch and 12 tonnes of animal feed, he said in a statement.

He said the operation of the mill will require 3,000 acres of cassava to be planted creating more than 1,000 jobs and other spinoff business opportunities for the northern areas of Sabah which are listed as amongst the poorest places in Malaysia.

“Fertilisers and pesticides are among the very high cost items in agriculture. What can be done to reduce these costs will definitely help farmers get higher profits and sustain their lives through agriculture,” said Chong.

He said the use of organic fertilisers will result in a healthier food source for consumers as well as a higher price for crops by farmers.

The training was attended by 56 participants including locals all the way from Kota Marudu, Sandakan, Tawau, Keningau and even some international participants from Indonesia and Singapore.

The seminar also brings with it a great opportunity to improve skills and knowledge in the field of fertiliser manufacturing, a very important aspect in increasing agricultural productivity, participants were told.

Trainers stressed how efficient production of organic fertilisers is not only beneficial to farmers, but also plays a key role in maintaining the environment and soil sustainability.

“From this training, we hope that the participants are inspired to become agents of change in the agricultural community,” said Chong.