KUCHING: Sarawak aims to increase its shrimp production to RM1bil in export value in line with its target of becoming a net food exporter by 2030.
State Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi said Sarawak was currently exporting RM400mil worth of shrimp a year.
"We need 7,000ha of land to produce RM1bil worth of shrimp for export. We will continue to explore and look for land in various parts of Sarawak, including Rambungan, Lawas and Sarikei, to reach the total required," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after witnessing the signing of a joint venture agreement between the Sarawak State Farmers' Organisation (SFO) and Sea Horse Corporation Sdn Bhd for a shrimp farming project here on Wednesday (Sept 7).
Rundi said the joint venture was part of efforts to enhance shrimp aquaculture in the state, with 286ha of land in Rambungan here allocated for the project.
"The state government will assist in terms of infrastructure through SFO while Sea Horse will provide expertise to produce shrimp for export," he said.
Rundi also said the state Cabinet had agreed to change his ministry's name to Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development to reflect its focus on commodities and commercialisation.
"The function of the ministry remains the same, but what we want to do is make sure that we are developing our food industry and commodities,” he said.
Rundi added that his approach will be focused on the socioeconomic transformation for B40 and small farmers to make sure they are sustainable in terms of income.
"Then we will develop agropreneurship and agro-industries for commercialisation," he said.
