Uggah (third left) presents an approval letter for the fertiliser aid to a local farmer, as Rapu (second left) and others look on

SPAOH (Jan 10): The development of the Bebuling Agropark, which occupies an area of about 300 hectares here, will kick off this year, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

According to the state Second Minister of Finance and New Economy, six major companies have shown interest in this mega project.

“These six companies are proponents of modern agriculture, both from the state and Peninsular Malaysia.

“Their niches range from vegetables and fruit gardening, to poultry and crayfish rearing.

“They can play the role of anchor companies and will welcome those interested to be their contract farmers,” he said in his speech prior to the presentation of fertiliser aid from the Agriculture Department to 249 people from six oil palm smallholding groups here today.

Uggah, the assemblyman for Bukit Saban, added that the companies would pass on modern farming knowledge to the farmers, apart from supplying them with the planting or breeding materials.

“We are looking at engaging three of them,” he pointed out.

Uggah said the agropark would be a game-changer upon becoming successful, particularly in increasing farmers’ productivity and income.

He also hoped all stakeholders, especially officers from the Agriculture Department and other related agencies as well as the farmers themselves, would play their respective parts.

“It is our launching pad to introduce modern agriculture to the people. Technology-based modern farming will make farming less labour-intensive, and more productive and more lucrative.

“We want our farmers to increase their production, as well as their incomes.

“We hope, especially the new generation, will be very responsive to modern farming.”

Uggah also said another prime objective would be for Bukit Saban to become a major food producing hub in Betong Division.

“In furthering this, we also have a collecting, processing and packaging centre now being built close to the Bebuling STOLport (short take-off and landing airport), which is also under construction.

“The STOLport will offer us the option for faster products transportation to the markets.”

On the fertiliser aid, the Deputy Premier advised the recipients to use it for the intended purpose.

“There are those who will be quick to sell it for cash while some will prefer to keep it unused, which defeats the government’s purpose in providing such aid.”

It is informed that the Agriculture Department is allocating about RM500,000 for 2,988 bags of fertiliser, meant for distribution to the recipients from 65 longhouses and villages across Bukit Saban, Debak and Betong.

Meanwhile in his speech earlier, Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu said the people here were very fortunate as Uggah had devised strategies to allow them to increase their income through modern agriculture.

“He (Uggah) knows what activities are suitable and good for the people. My advice is for all to have an open mind and be ready to embrace modern agriculture. And they, including officers from government departments and agencies, must all be committed to realising the success of the Bebuling Agropark,” he said.