Uggah hits the gong to mark the opening of the charity dinner.
BINTULU: Small-scale farmers in the state are urged to cultivate and produce more than one commodity.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas said they should now diversify and grow other crops such as oil palm, rubber, pepper, cocoa and others so that they can earn more from their lands.
“If before you just planted rubber, now you can also cultivate oil palm on the land nearby to ensure stable income if price of one of the commodities declines,” he said during the PBB Kakus charity dinner at Tatau Sports Centre on Saturday.
He disclosed the price of rubber has dropped lately but advised smallholders not to give up because the drop is temporary and the price will soar again.
What is important, he said, is for every farmer to maintain their crops so that they can continue to earn good income when prices of the commodities improve.
“For oil palm, the price of this commodity is quite good at the moment and profitable for farmers, but it would be nice if you also plant other crops,” he advised.
On another matter, Uggah urged PBB Kakus branch to organise special courses for its youth and women members to boost their quality in serving people.
“If possible, each course must be held before May, focus must be on the best way to improve PBB service in the area besides relevant issues on children’s education,” he said.
He also said giving courses to primary and secondary school students is one of the ways to contribute to the wellbeing of the young generation.
At the same time, he announced grants of RM30,000 for PBB Kakus and RM10,000 each to its youth and women’s wings.
Among those present were PBB Kakus chief cum PBB supreme council member Dr Nuing Jeluing and its Youth chief George Sanok.