KUCHING: The Sarawak Cabinet has agreed to the formation of the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) - currently known as the Betong Integrated Development Agency (BIDA) - says State Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas (pic).
He said the BDDA, which covers the state constituencies of Layar, Bukit Saban, Krian, Kalaka, Saribas, Beting Maro, Kabong and parts of Lingga would develop income-generating economic activities and build more farm roads in the areas.
Uggah who is also Bukit Saban assemblyman said BDDA has a huge potential for fruit and vegetable farming besides poultry and other types of livestock rearing.
He said there is also a company near Spaoh actively pursuing the development of hybrid papayas, corn, rice and other crops.
"The papayas that it is producing now, for instance, have a shelf life of almost a week which is most ideal for export while the rice is a fast-growing shorter variety," he said in a statement on Sunday (Oct 2).
"With the division now enjoying almost comprehensive road network, water and power supply distribution, the next great challenge for BDDA is to develop income-generating economic activities and building more farm roads.
"With better income, the people can have a better standard of living. So I hope our people will be ready to embrace new technology and modern ways of farming," he added. - Bernama
