KUCHING: Sarawak aims to increase its beef and mutton self-sufficiency level (SSL) to 25% by 2030, says state Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi.
He said beef SSL increased from 17.5% last year to an estimated 19% this year, while mutton SSL rose from 15.2% to 17%.
Livestock numbers also grew, with 24,500 head of cattle and buffalo recorded this year and 15,000 head of sheep and goats.
"Nevertheless, further efforts are still needed to strengthen ruminant production and reduce reliance on imports," he told the Sarawak Legislative Assembly in his winding-up speech on Tuesday (Oct 20).
Dr Rundi said Sarawak will continue to improve livestock breeding and production capacity with support from the Federal Government.
He said Putrajaya approved four livestock development projects worth RM18mil this year to support cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat production.
"These initiatives have facilitated the importation of 740 Brahman cattle, 206 swamp buffaloes, 509 Dorper sheep and 198 Saanen goats, directly benefiting 63 farmers across Sarawak."
He added that another RM18.5mil has been approved to sustain these projects next year, contributing towards achieving Sarawak's SSL target.
This will be supported by a projected population of 25,200 head of cattle and 12,800 head of buffalo.
Dr Rundi also said Sarawak is developing two major pig farming facilities in Selangau and Serian, in line with its target of producing 860,000 pigs valued at RM1.5bil by 2030.
He said the 233ha pig farming area in Selangau is expected to commence production next year while the pig farm in Ensengei, Serian, will have a capacity of 80,000 pigs by 2030.
