BETONG: The coconut planting project at Lubok Tamang Agropark is expected to raise the income of local communities, particularly in the Debak area.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the use of technology in coconut cultivation, together with the involvement of a lead company, will create new economic opportunities for local villagers.

He explained that the locals can now cultivate coconuts on their own land and sell the produce to the company acting as the main buyer, thereby ensuring a stable market.

“I am informed that if one family plants coconuts and the company purchases from them, their income could increase by RM6,000 a month. So, we now have a new way to modernise agriculture,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Saribas Constituency Leaders with the People programme at Riveria Sports Centre, Debak, on Friday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said the government has identified approximately 2,000 acres of land for coconut cultivation, while also planning surrounding area development to support the economic activity.

He added that the new Jalan Lubok Tamang will also serve as a catalyst for a logistics system capable of exporting coconuts from the agropark through the Bebuling STOLport in Spaoh.

He further explained that the new road, which shortens travel time from Kampung Tuie and Kampung Manggat to Debak and onwards to Spaoh, will enable coconuts to be transported quickly for export.

“We can fly the cargo to Tanjung Embang, and from Tanjung Embang send it to China, because perishable goods require efficient delivery time,” he said.

He added that demand for coconuts in China is very high, noting that coconuts produced in Bagan Datuk, Perak are already being sold there through a lead company exporting to the country.

As such, he said the same lead company from Perak has also been appointed in Debak to purchase coconuts grown by the locals. -UKASnews