Tuaran: More than 1,400 farmers in Kiulu have access to 6,680 acres of farmland following upgrades to roads in an effort to strengthen the agricultural sector.
Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai emphasised that good road access is key to ensuring farmers can fully utilise their land and increase productivity.
“As we work on improving connectivity, I also want to see more villagers open up their land for farming as a sustainable source of income,” he said at the closing of the Vermicompost and Durian Grafting Introduction Course, recently.
More than 30 participants attended the course, organised by the State Rural Development Ministry in collaboration with the Kiulu Sub-District Office, at the Kiulu Community Hall.
Joniston said the infrastructure alone is insufficient, and there would be more agricultural courses to equip farmers with the right knowledge and skills.
There were discussions on strengthening Kiulu’s agricultural development with the Tuaran District Agriculture Office and the Rural Development Ministry.
While Kiulu had made a name for itself in rural tourism, Joniston said there would be greater focus on expanding agricultural opportunities, including high-value crops.
“As part of ongoing efforts to support farmers, 47 agricultural roads have been identified for upgrading and construction this year, with RM1.5 million allocation from the Kiulu Assembly Fund for improvements,” he said.
Joniston hoped that better infrastructure and training would support farmers while also creating opportunities for agro-tourism, positioning Kiulu as a model for rural economic development.
