DALAT – More than 80 local residents have enhanced their expertise in sago farming and value-added food production through a specialised technology initiative. The two-day Technology Transfer Programme 2025, orchestrated by CRAUN Research Sdn Bhd, aimed to equip smallholders, young people, and microentrepreneurs with modern agricultural techniques.
Supported by the Sarawak Sago and Nipah Development Board (SNDB) and the Dalat Service Centre, the programme focused on imparting practical skills to increase product value and bolster household income in rural areas. The initiative represents a concerted effort to ensure local communities secure sustainable benefits from the expanding sago industry.
The Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, reiterated the State Government’s commitment to this goal. She stressed the critical importance of involving youth and women in the local economic ecosystem through various support mechanisms.
These initiatives include the STEX Dalat platform and the ‘Anjung Usahawan’ one-stop centre for entrepreneurs. She also highlighted innovative approaches to sustainability, such as converting industrial waste into fertiliser and animal feed by deploying Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology.
“With strong collaboration, we can uplift rural living standards while preserving the cultural identity and harmony of our people,” Dato Sri Fatimah stated, underscoring the dual focus on economic and cultural advancement.
Alongside economic measures, she pointed to ongoing efforts to conserve the region’s unique cultural heritage. This includes supporting the Melanau Heritage Gallery and the development of the ‘Tapak Kaul Oya’ site, ensuring that progress is balanced with cultural preservation.
The technical execution of the programme was led by industry experts. The sago food processing course was facilitated by Dr. Abdul Manan Dos Mohamed from Venus Biotech Sdn Bhd, who provided hands-on training in downstream product development.
Dr. Bala Jamel, Head of Upstream Technology at CRAUN, affirmed the organisation’s dedication to empowering rural populations through scientific innovation. He noted that these community-focused programmes are aligned with the broader objectives of the *Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030)*, which emphasises sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The sago palm is a significant agricultural asset for the region, and enhancing its cultivation and processing is key to rural development strategies. By transferring advanced technologies to local growers, authorities aim to increase yield efficiency and open new markets for derived products.
Programmes like this are seen as vital for creating alternative income streams and reducing economic vulnerability among farming communities. They also serve to engage the younger generation in agriculture, presenting it as a viable and technologically advanced career path.
The involvement of multiple agencies demonstrates a coordinated governmental approach to rural upliftment. Integrating modern farming techniques with entrepreneurial support and cultural projects creates a holistic model for community development in Sarawak’s heartland.
