KUCHING: The arrival of a new batch of pregnant Jersey A2 heifers from Australia has marked a significant milestone in Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen food security and advance towards becoming a net food exporter, with Eco Farm Solutions leading the transformation of the local dairy industry through strong government support.

According to a statement, the cattle arrival was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben together with Director of the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud.

“Both leaders emphasised that the importation of high-quality dairy cattle is a strategic step in increasing Sarawak’s milk self-sufficiency level, reducing dependence on imported dairy products, and supporting the state’s long-term goal of becoming a net food exporter,” it said on Tuesday.

Founded in 2018 by the late Dr Ng Siew Thiam, Eco Farm Solutions was established with a clear vision to develop a self-sustaining, technology-driven dairy industry in Sarawak, and with continuous support from the Sarawak Government, the farm has become a benchmark for modern and scalable dairy farming.

Eco Farm Solutions is licensed by DVSS and all its dairy products carry the Veterinary Health Mark (VHM), certifying full compliance with stringent animal health, food safety, and hygiene standards.

The farm operates an automated closed-house system and modern intensive farming practices, reinforcing state and national initiatives to modernise agriculture and ensure long-term food security.

Under a matching fund programme supported by the Sarawak Government, Eco Farm Solutions is importing 193 pregnant Jersey A2 heifers from Australia, with 92 heifers funded directly under the government scheme, aiming to increase the farm’s cattle population from the current 120 heads.

All imported cattle undergo A2 genetic verification at Australian government-owned laboratories, ensuring authenticity, traceability, and compliance with international standards.

The heifers are expected to calve in April 2026, increasing local milk production to an estimated 5,000 litres per day with a total farm population of 500 heads from May 2026 onwards.

During the arrival, Datuk Martin highlighted that this strategic importation would significantly contribute to Sarawak’s dairy self-sufficiency level, while Datu Dr Adrian reaffirmed DVSS’s commitment to ensuring animal health, biosecurity, and product safety throughout the expansion process.

With DVSS licensing, VHM-certified products, strong government backing, and the successful arrival of Australian Jersey A2 cattle, Eco Farm Solutions is positioned as a key driver in Sarawak’s journey towards food security and net food exporter status.

The expansion not only strengthens local dairy production but also delivers high-quality, nutritious, and locally produced dairy products to Sarawakian consumers, reinforcing confidence in the state’s growing agri-food industry. -UKASnews