BINTULU – Two pivotal initiatives aimed at fortifying the state’s food production capabilities were highlighted as central pillars of future agricultural strategy during a major industry congress this week.
The AgriHub programme and the newly established School of Veterinary and Animal Science are set to work in tandem to enhance productivity, cultivate homegrown talent, and bolster the livestock sector.
These developments mark a significant shift towards a more integrated and knowledge-driven approach to rural development.
Speaking at the Third Congress on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg underscored the necessity of evidence-based practices.
He argued that sustainable growth and resilience can only be achieved through rigorous research, continuous innovation, and active community participation.
This philosophy moves beyond traditional farming methods to embrace a holistic ecosystem where science and society intersect for mutual benefit.
The Gedong AgriHub was cited as a prime example of this model in action, having already demonstrated encouraging results. By merging technological applications with academic research and grassroots engagement, the site has successfully improved output levels.
“AgriHub demonstrates how research, innovation and close collaboration with local communities can strengthen agricultural productivity and food security,” the Premier stated while officiating the event at the Imperial Hotel.
Plans are now underway to replicate this success across other strategic locations throughout the territory. Expanding the AgriHub framework is viewed as essential for supporting the broader sustainable agriculture agenda.
Each new hub will be tailored to local conditions while maintaining core principles of tech-integration and community partnership, ensuring scalability without sacrificing relevance or effectiveness.
Parallel to physical infrastructure development is a concerted effort to build human capital. Leadership recognises that advanced systems require skilled operators and specialists to function optimally.
Particular emphasis has been placed on veterinary medicine, animal health management, and livestock development as critical competency gaps needing urgent attention to support industry expansion.
The creation of the School of Veterinary and Animal Science directly addresses these workforce needs. “The establishment of the School of Veterinary and Animal Science will strengthen local capacity in the field of veterinary medicine, animal health and livestock development,” the Premier explained.
This institution is expected to produce graduates equipped with practical skills and theoretical knowledge aligned with industry requirements, reducing reliance on foreign expertise over time.
Such educational investments are integral to achieving long-term sectoral resilience. A robust domestic talent pool ensures continuity and adaptability in the face of emerging challenges like disease outbreaks or climate variability.
Moreover, locally trained professionals possess contextual understanding that external consultants often lack, enabling more culturally appropriate and effective interventions.
Success in transforming the agri-food landscape depends heavily on multi-stakeholder cooperation. Government bodies, academic institutions, private enterprises, and rural communities must operate as unified partners rather than isolated entities.
Only through such synergistic relationships can a safer, more sustainable, and globally competitive food system emerge that serves both producers and consumers effectively.
Events like COSAFS2026 serve as vital platforms for facilitating this collaboration. They enable knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and strategic networking among diverse actors.
By bringing together experts and practitioners, the congress helps solidify the state’s position as a regional centre for agricultural excellence and innovation, fostering an environment where ideas translate into actionable solutions for lasting impact.
