Kota Kinabalu: Downstream activities must be strengthened to produce high value-added products from locally produced agricultural commodities, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the approach was important to maximise the value of the agro-food sector, increase agro-entrepreneurs’ income and strengthen food security.
Hajiji said Sabah needed to move from relying on exports of raw agricultural commodities to producing and exporting high-value finished products, which would also improve returns for farmers, growers, smallholders and fishermen.
He said downstream activities would create employment opportunities, particularly for youths, in areas including production, packaging, logistics, marketing and quality control.
Hajiji, whose speech was delivered by Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, said the launch of the Lumi Borneo latex pillow showed LIGS’ capability to optimise local resources, adding that the agency should explore other products such as latex mattresses and rubber footwear.
