TAMBUNAN: The agricultural sector is capable of generating lucrative returns if managed properly and systematically, in addition to receiving guidance from experienced mentors, said Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
Jamawi, who is also the Melalap Assemblyman, said this when speaking at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Perbadanan Pinjaman Sabah and AgriData, here, on Saturday.
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“We are in Tambunan to witness the signing of an MoU where Sabah Cedit Corporation has agreed to provide interest-free loans to agricultural entrepreneurs managed by AgriData.
“This initiative is not new but adds value to a previous agreement under which AgriData received approximately RM2.5 million in loans over the past three years,” he said.
He explained that AgriData currently oversees about 112 rain shelter houses operated by rural farmers under the company’s guidance.
“They guide, advise and train the farmers. The produce is then bought back and marketed, particularly to fast food companies in Kota Kinabalu as well as in Brunei.
“To date, about RM500,000 out of the RM2.5 million has been repaid and not a single entrepreneur has defaulted,” he said.
Jamawi said the success had encouraged him to see more young entrepreneurs mentored by AgriData and to work together with his ministry to reduce food imports.
He explained that AgriData cultivates cool-climate food crops such as tomatoes, lettuce and strawberries, using technology in Tambunan that enables yields comparable to imported products, including in taste.
“I hope more entrepreneurs can be developed by operator Matthew Johnny Kulai. The ministry will provide full support, not only in terms of guidance but also in other related aspects,” he said.
Meanwhile, he added that cool-climate crop cultivation would also be expanded to several other locations, including a demonstration plot in Layang-Layang.
“Layang-Layang is an area I developed when I was the elected representative in Kemabong and is capable of producing highland crops comparable in quality to those in Kundasang.
“We practise good agricultural methods by reducing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers, thereby increasing the value of existing products,” he added.
Jamawi also expressed support for efforts to introduce more local youths into agriculture by leveraging the technology provided by AgriData.
On research aspects, he said various studies conducted by the Department of Agriculture and Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) have proven that quality highland vegetables can be produced even when planted in lowland areas.
“What is important is to create a root environment similar to that in highland areas. Hydroponic or aeroponic technology can maintain root temperatures at cool levels.
“This allows plants to grow well and adapt as if they were planted in highland areas even when located in lowland regions. This is the technology used in the AgriData system,” he explained.
Jamawi also congratulated Perbadanan Pinjaman Sabah and urged interested youths to seize opportunities in the agricultural sector.
“Under the Kebun Dapur programme, we provide 18 mentors from various agricultural fields who can be contacted through the ministry’s website.
“Get in touch with us so that you can be introduced to these mentors and succeed in agriculture. Matthew Kulai and Marco Phillip in Tambunan are among the identified mentors to guide more young people,” he said.
