LAWAS – Efforts to strengthen agricultural mechanisation in Ba’kelalan and Long Semadoh received a boost on 4 July with the symbolic handover of ploughing machines to local villages.
The ceremony was officiated by YB Dato Henry Sum Agong, Member of Parliament for P.222 Lawas, who highlighted the importance of modern equipment in supporting rural farming communities.
A total of 30 ploughing machines were allocated to 15 villages, with five units symbolically presented to village heads and representatives during the event.
The initiative aims to encourage greater use of mechanisation in farming, reducing reliance on manual labour while improving efficiency and productivity.
By equipping villages with modern tools, the programme is expected to enhance agricultural output and support food security in the region.
In addition to the handover, Dato Henry Sum Agong also officiated the launch of the Lawas Farmers’ Shop Promotion through a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The shop is intended to strengthen the marketing of farmers’ products and provide a platform for local produce to reach wider markets.
The event was attended by key officials, including Mr Dominic Anak Chunggat, Sarawak Director of Agriculture; Dr Jakaria bin Ramli, Limbang Division Agriculture Officer; Mr Doraup bin Mail, Lawas District Superintendent; Mr Dison Tagal, Lawas PPK General Manager; and Mr Paris Kaya, Lawas PPK Chairman.
Their presence underscored the collaborative effort between government agencies and local organisations in driving agricultural development.
Mechanisation has been identified as a crucial step in modernising Sarawak’s agricultural sector, particularly in rural areas where traditional methods remain common.
By introducing ploughing machines, farmers can prepare land more quickly and efficiently, enabling them to expand cultivation and improve yields.
The Lawas Farmers’ Shop Promotion complements this initiative by providing farmers with better access to markets.
It is expected to encourage entrepreneurship among rural communities, allowing them to showcase their products and strengthen their economic resilience.
Officials noted that the combined efforts of mechanisation and improved marketing will contribute to the long-term sustainability of agriculture in Lawas.
The programme reflects Sarawak’s broader vision of empowering rural communities through modern technology and infrastructure, ensuring that farming remains a viable livelihood for future generations.
