JULY-AUGUST. 2026 | @ AGROBiz
Sarawak 25
" If we stop at production, that will be the end of their efforts. We must go beyond that by strengthening processing, market access and the entire supply chain ".
The State is therefore looking at agriculture as a complete economic chain, covering research and development, production, processing and marketing.
Technology is expected to play an important role in that transition, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighting artificial intelligence, digitalisation, precision agriculture, biotechnology, automation and renewable energy as key elements of Sarawak ' s future agricultural model.
MODERN AGRICULTURE
" We aspire to transform agriculture into a modern, technology-driven and high-income industry through innovation, digital transformation, precision agriculture, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, automation, renewable energy integration, and sustainable resource management.
" The transformation is not merely about producing more food, but doing so sustainably by protecting forests, conserving biodiversity and managing natural resources responsibly for future generations," he said when officiating COSAFS 2026.
Abang Johari also stressed the importance of combining data with technology to improve production efficiency.
" It is the belief of the Sarawak government that you have to combine data and technology.
" Data is a very important input for us to progress further through innovation and therefore, efficient production of food for the community and the world at large," he said.
marked an important milestone, as the event was being held in Malaysia for the first time.
He described the development as further recognition of Sarawak ' s potential as a destination for scientific research, innovation and agri-food collaboration.
The congress brought together four international conferences covering indigenous crops, fisheries and animal sciences, food and industrial crops, and nutraceuticals and functional foods.
For Sarawak, the broader objective is to build stronger links between academia, government, industry and communities while using scientific knowledge and innovation to support sustainable agricultural development.
Abang Johari said: " The exchange of scientific knowledge, innovative ideas and practical experiences is essential if we are to address
Abang Johari Openg( Photo from: UKAS)
Stephen Rundi( Photo from: UKAS)
Rundi added that the State was working with Universiti Putra Malaysia( UPM) Sarawak and other research institutions to strengthen paddy and rice production as part of its wider food security efforts.
The four-day COSAFS 2026, themed " Feeding the Future, Fostering Sustainable Food ", brought together researchers, industry representatives and other stakeholders to discuss ways of building more resilient food systems.
increasingly complex agricultural challenges ".
BIGGER & BETTER: Sarawak Agrofest will return to Bintulu from Sept 25 to Oct 4, with organisers targeting 800,000 visitors.
SAF returns to Bintulu
SARAWAK Agrofest 2026 is targeting RM6.5 million in sales and 800,000 visitors as the State ' s largest agricultural exposition returns to Bintulu from Sept 25 to Oct 4.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the 10-day event at the Old Bintulu Airport site will focus on technology, innovation and sustainable food production.
Now in its sixth edition, SAF2026 carries the theme " Innovating Agriculture for Food Security ", with smart technologies, automation and digitalisation expected to feature across the agricultural value chain.
The official opening will be held on Sept 28 and officiated by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
Rundi said the event would go beyond trade and product sales by supporting the modernisation of Sarawak ' s agri-food sector and creating opportunities for local agropreneurs.
" Our objective is to develop a sustainable food security ecosystem while empowering local agropreneurs to compete at the global level," he said.
Planned attractions include AgroTrade, AgroFresh, AgroTech, AgroInput, Peladang e-Shop and Sarawak Kitchen, alongside dedicated zones for paddy, fisheries, pineapples, sago, livestock and smart agriculture.
The festival will also feature awards recognising farmers, agropreneurs, livestock breeders and other contributors to the sector.
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SARAWAK ' S AGRI FUTURE: AgriHub @ Gedong( pictured) is bringing modern farming technologies and research closer to Sarawak ' s farming communities.