KOTA KINABALU: Stronger inter-governmental collaboration is needed to help agricultural smallholders market their produce more effectively, says Sabah Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Datuk Ruslan Muharam.
He said close cooperation would also enable farmers to move beyond local markets.
“This is crucial in helping smallholders and cottage industry players generate sustainable income while preventing oversupply that could lead to waste and losses during peak seasons,” he said at the “Let’s Eat Durian” programme in Sipitang, about 150km from here, on Friday.
Ruslan said the agriculture sector has significant potential for further growth, with the right, systematic and efficient strategies and development programmes in place.
“This sector is not only marketable and expandable domestically but also internationally,” he stressed.
Ruslan said these efforts should include better marketing plans, improved supply chains and strict adherence to export market requirements.
“With the right initiatives, we can convince smallholders that their products are capable of reaching wider markets and have stable market value,” he said.
He added that local produce, such as durian, pineapple, jackfruit, pandan coconut and avocado, is among the commodities highly sought after in the international market.
“The state remains committed to supporting the farming and agriculture sector through collaborative initiatives for the benefit of small farmers, in an effort to develop the industry on a sustainable and successful scale.”
