KUCHING (April 5): The Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development is advocating for pig farmers to adopt the latest technology to reduce the risk of livestock-related diseases.

Its Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said pig farms which are equipped with the latest technology could lower the risk of diseases, particularly African Swine Fever (ASF).

He made these remarks following a visit to a pig farm located at Jalan Ensengei Baki in Serian where he witnessed the methods and technology used by the owner, Greenlife Agritech (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd.

According to Dr Rundi, the modern pig farm uses a closed enclosure system that ensures a controlled environment, reduces the risk of disease and maximises livestock growth.

“The farm also uses high-quality pig breeds from the US, and is equipped with quarantine and disinfection facilities to ensure a high level of biosecurity,” he said in a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report today.

It is understood that Greenlife Agritech targets to produce 144,000 pigs through the implementation of the farming project, which is scheduled in three phases.

Each phase is said to last two years, starting this year with the owner aiming to see a production of 48,000 pigs per annum.

Among those present were Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben and Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud.