Dalat: Rural communities in Sarawak have been urged to shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture to boost incomes and benefit from the state's economic growth. Sarawak Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom emphasized the importance of this transition to support the state government's target of achieving a minimum monthly household income of RM15,000 by 2030.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Rundi highlighted the need for commercialization in agriculture, stating that every effort in farming should translate into financial gain. Speaking at Agrofest Dalat 2026, he pointed out that Sarawak has been recognized by the World Bank as a high-income region since 2022, and it is crucial that the economic growth benefits reach rural communities, especially those in the B40 group.

Dr Rundi noted that transforming agriculture requires a shift in mindset, increased mechanization, and the adoption of technologies like smart farming, precision agriculture, and the Internet of Things. These advancements could make agriculture more appealing to young people. The focus, he suggested, should move from land size to productivity, quality of produce, market access, and sustainable returns, including through group farming and public-private-community partnerships.

On the topic of food security, Dr Rundi revealed that Sarawak's rice self-sufficiency level currently stands at about 21 percent, with 14,000 hectares of land identified as having potential for paddy cultivation. He also mentioned Dalat's potential in producing sago, rice, pineapples, and coconuts, as well as its agrotourism possibilities. He stressed that planning for the sector should be data-driven and supported by a complete supply chain from production to marketing.