Vanila has the potential to be a new source of income for rural people

PADAWAN, 27 Oct: Vanilla crops have the potential to become a new source of income for rural people in Sarawak through the development of Vanilla Ecofarm in Sibakar Village in collaboration with Hasanah Foundation and Ecovative Enterprise.

Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the high-value crop requires knowledge of planting technology and appropriate support to help entrepreneurs increase yields.

"The agriculture sector continues to be a driver of Sarawak's economy, particularly in increasing the income of rural residents through crop enterprises that offer higher returns", he said.

He said this while addressing the official opening ceremony of Vanilla Ecofarm in Kampung Sibakar here, today.

He said the vanilla crop is also capable of diversifying high-value agricultural commodities as well as optimizing land use.

"The initiative also targets employment opportunities and income generation for young people, in addition to preserving the natural habitat and cultural heritage of local communities.

"The benefits of the development are also aimed at the population in four villages, namely Kampung Sadir, Kampung Simuti, Kampung Sibuang and Kampung Sibakar, especially in improving socio-economic status of elderly people", he said.

In this regard, he said, the existing entrepreneurial experience and expertise in vanilla cultivation should be leveraged to help communities master proper cultivation methods, including soil selection and use of appropriate technology.