BAU – Farmers in the Singai area have been encouraged to diversify their crops by cultivating Liberica coffee, a commodity increasingly in demand in both domestic and international markets.
The call was made by Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport (Rivers and Marine) and Tasik Biru State Assemblyman, during the closing ceremony of the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) held at Daun Singai village hall.
He emphasised that coffee plantations could provide a sustainable source of income, reducing reliance on traditional crops such as Musang King durian, Kepok banana and pineapple.
Henry noted that rice cultivation should also be considered alongside coffee, as both commodities have strong potential to generate economic returns. He urged residents to adopt modern farming techniques, supported by government initiatives offering technical guidance and training.
“In addition to coffee, rice cultivation can also generate economic impact for the residents. Therefore, I suggest that the residents cultivate coffee and rice crops by applying modern agricultural methods supported by government programmes in providing technical guidance,” he said.
The Deputy Minister assured farmers that assistance would be provided in the form of fertiliser inputs to help reduce production costs and improve yields. This support, he explained, is part of the government’s wider effort to strengthen rural agriculture and improve household incomes.
The AgriCOP course, organised by the Sarawak Agriculture Department, attracted around 100 participants from Singai. Over two days, attendees received training on crop diversification, sustainable farming practices, and government support schemes.
The programme is part of Sarawak’s ongoing outreach to rural communities, aimed at equipping farmers with knowledge and resources to adapt to changing market demands.
Officials present at the event included Bau District Officer representative Saffika Kueh, Kuching Division Agriculture Officer Awang Roslam Hipni, Sarawak Agriculture Office Chief Assistant Director representative Marian Ahmui, and Bau District Agriculture Superintendent Officer Eddysen Jengah.
Their participation underscored the collaborative approach between local authorities and state agencies in promoting agricultural development.
Liberica coffee, known for its distinctive flavour and resilience in tropical climates, has been identified as a promising crop for Sarawak’s rural farmers. With global demand for specialty coffee rising, the introduction of Liberica plantations could position Singai as a contributor to Malaysia’s growing coffee industry.
The initiative aligns with Sarawak’s broader rural development agenda, which seeks to empower communities through modern agriculture, infrastructure improvements, and market-driven crop diversification.
By encouraging farmers to embrace new opportunities, the government hopes to create more resilient rural economies, less dependent on single commodities.
