The Pilot Agricultural Wholesale Centre project to be located at one of the Rejang Port Authority (RPA) go-downs will become a major development catalyst to the agriculture sector here. Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) State Director Rohizah bin Ridzwan said the new centre, when ready, would help to facilitate business transaction of the agriculture sector. "The wholesale centre is equipped with proper processing system and cold storage facilities, providing convenience to farmers," he said at a briefing on the project held at Sarikei Divisional Agriculture Office yesterday.

He believed the centre would ensure easy flow of purchase and selling of agro-products.

On the progress mechanism, he said the identities of the suppliers would be tagged, including the condition of the produce whether they are pesticides-free, and sealed with proper packaging. The prices of the products would also be more transparent to enable farmers to keep in touch with the daily prices.

Being the state's pilot project, he stressed that FAMA would assist in implementing a more systematic purchase and supply of agro produces through proper packaging. Such requirement, he said, would ensure the freshness and life span of the products.

On the tagging system, he believed such the move would enable the authority to monitor any excessive use of pesticides, thus ensuring whatever products sold would be fit for human consumption.

He was hopeful that the system would improve business transaction between buyers and sellers, and that local farmers would gain and benefit from it.

Amongst those present were Assistant Minister of Food Industries Datuk David Teng Lung Chi, heads of government department and agencies.

29 March 2005, Sarawak Tribune