The Sarawak Agriculture Department has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all planning and implementation of the state’s agricultural programmes remain aligned with the aspirations of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Its director Dominic Chunggat said the department’s role extended beyond implementing agricultural development projects, as it also served as a strategic link between government policies and public needs in advancing a sustainable development agenda driven by technology and innovation.
He said this at the department’s appreciation dinner, which was also attended by Sarawak Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and his deputy Datuk Martin Ben in Sibu.
According to Dominic, PCDS 2030 outlined a clear direction to position Sarawak as a net exporter of food by 2030, thereby strengthening the state’s food security and safety.
“All department staff must ensure that every initiative, from the planning stage to on-the-ground implementation, supports the transformation agenda of modern, sustainable and competitive agriculture.”
Dominic explained that the state’s agricultural landscape had evolved from a subsistence-based system to commercial agriculture and was now shifting towards a modern approach founded on technology, innovation and data, in line with the development thrust of PCDS 2030.
“Throughout last year, the department recorded various achievements, including the organisation of a series of Agrofests across the state, which successfully enhanced the knowledge and income of the farming community while stimulating rural economic activities.”
He said the department’s extension approach also emphasised technology transfer, technical guidance and continuous support for farmers and industry players, enabling them to better address challenges such as climate change, labour shortages and rising agricultural input costs.
“The transformation of the agricultural sector cannot be achieved without commitment from all levels of the organisation. We must be more proactive, adaptive and innovative to ensure that all targets outlined in PCDS 2030 are realised,” he stressed.
Dominic said the department’s achievement in being listed among the Top Nine finalists in the Department’s Gold Award category in conjunction with the Sarawak Public Service Quality Award (AKPANS) 2025 demonstrated its capabilities in governance, operations and service delivery.
He also called on staff to continue working to advance the agricultural sector and the well-being of the people of Sarawak.
