SERIAN – The Serian Conference Centre became the focal point for agricultural advancement on Friday as the third leg of the Sarawak Agrofest 2026 tour officially commenced. The event was inaugurated by YB Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Anak Utom, the Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, marking a significant step in the state’s broader strategy to enhance local food production capabilities.
Organised through a collaborative effort involving the Sarawak Department of Agriculture, the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, and the Serian Division Resident’s Office, the festival serves as a critical platform for knowledge exchange. It represents the penultimate stop in the statewide tour before the grand finale is scheduled to take place in the Bintulu Division later this September.
During his address, the Minister highlighted the pivotal role agriculture plays in driving economic growth under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. He emphasised that the government is prioritising initiatives designed to bolster food security, elevate the sector’s contribution to the state economy, and improve the livelihoods of farming communities. A central ambition of these efforts is to transform Sarawak into a net food-exporting state by the end of the decade.
Dr. Rundi pointed out that the Serian Division possesses substantial potential to evolve into a major food production hub. By adopting progressive, sustainable, and technology-driven approaches, the region can make meaningful contributions to the wider agricultural landscape of Sarawak. This vision aligns with ongoing efforts to modernise farming practices and increase productivity across various commodities.
In his welcoming remarks, YB Datuk Martin Ben, Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, outlined the practical benefits of the festival for attendees. He noted that the event provides residents with direct access to the latest innovations in agricultural technology, as well as information on products and services offered by both government bodies and private industry players.
The organisers have set ambitious targets for the three-day programme, aiming to attract approximately 15,000 visitors. Furthermore, they anticipate generating total sales worth RM250,000 through the various booths and exhibitions. These figures underscore the event’s dual purpose of education and commercial stimulation for local entrepreneurs.
Datuk Martin also drew attention to the specific agricultural strengths of the Serian area. The division is well-positioned to expand its output of key crops such as durian, banana, coconut, and pineapple. This local capacity supports the broader state goal, where the Sarawak Agriculture Department aims to cultivate durian across 20,000 hectares by 2030 to satisfy both domestic consumption and export demands.
The festival features a diverse array of participants, including twenty-nine agency and private exhibition booths alongside twenty-eight sales booths dedicated to entrepreneurs and private companies. Exhibitors include the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department, the Sarawak Rubber Industry Board (SARIB), and several statutory bodies under the ministry. Federal agencies such as MARDI, FAMA, and IADA are also present, joined by active private sector firms. A Mini Zoo exhibition has been included to engage younger visitors and families.
Senior government officials and elected representatives attended the opening ceremony to show their support. Among those present were Yang Berhormat Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Ismail, Deputy Minister for Food Industry; Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Dr. Richard Riot anak Jaem, Member of Parliament for Serian; and several state assemblymen representing constituencies such as Kedup, Tebedu, Bukit Semuja, and Serembu.
The successful execution of the event was attributed to the collective efforts of the organising committee, led by Serian Division Agriculture Officer Mr. Ahmad Arisa Bin Kachon, along with various strategic partners and the local community. Leaders expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their cooperation in making the festival a reality.
Ultimately, the programme aims to facilitate technology transfer and strengthen networks between agencies and farmers. By accelerating the transformation of the agricultural sector towards a more competitive and sustainable model, the state hopes to ensure long-term food security and improve the overall well-being of its people. The presence of department heads, tribal leaders, media representatives, and the general public at the ceremony reflected the broad community interest in these developmental goals.
