Dr Rundi (fifth left) with other guests of honor during the PFA Selangau ground breaking ceremony, today.

SIBU: The Pig Farming Area (PFA) in Selangau will be able to breed up to 12,000 pigs after it starts operating later.

The Selangau PFA groundbreaking ceremony which took place today was completed by the Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

According to Dr Rundi, the PFA in Sungai Selabi is the third largest in Sarawak and is capable of rearing up to 12,000 pigs.

"This farming area will use new and modern technology.

"We also emphasize biosecurity after what we experienced and learned from the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak, where all pigs, whether large or small, were eliminated, except in Simunjan.

"So now we have actually learned from all that. We have to use new methods of doing things.

"This includes new technology with biogas and so on, in addition to strict bio-security," he told reporters after the ceremony. 

The member of the Kemena State Assembly called for this PFA to also involve local residents to supply food to farm animals such as cassava and so on.

"And also if possible, for young people who are interested in entering this field, help them by providing training.

"This will be a corporate social responsibility (CSR) for those around this area.

"It is hoped that they can also share their experience and expertise with young local entrepreneurs who want to know about methods and threats in pig farming," he explained. 

Touching further on PFA Dr Rundi said, for starters it involves pig farming, in addition to moving to other livestock such as cattle, goats and deer.  

"And after that, apart from the crops we plan such as coconuts, bananas, pineapples, everything must go downstream, to downstream processing and so on.

"From there we can add value to our farmers' income.

"I understand that this large area is capable of generating at least RM1.5 billion in additional income for Sarawak per year, possibly by 2027 or at the latest by 2030," he explained.