KOTA KINABALU: Farmers in Kiulu stand to gain better access to 6,680 acres of agricultural land as efforts to improve farm roads and strengthen the agricultural sector move forward.
Kilu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said better road access is key to ensuring the over 1,400 farmers in the area 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 ceremony of the Vermicompost and Durian Grafting Introduction Course in Kiulu, Friday (March 28).
Organised by the State Rural Development Ministry in collaboration with the Kiulu Sub-District Office, the course was attended by more than 30 participants, including youths.
Bangkuai said that as infrastructure development alone is insufficient, agriculture-related courses will be intensified to equip farmers with the right knowledge and skills.
He said this will be done with the support and cooperation of relevant departments and agencies to ensure proper training and guidance.
He added that discussions on strengthening Kiulu’s agricultural development have already taken place with the Tuaran District Agriculture Office and the Rural Development Ministry.
While Kiulu has made a name for itself in rural tourism, Bangkuai said greater focus is now being placed on expanding agricultural opportunities, including high-value crops.
“We are looking at vanilla plantations as a potential income source, and recently, my service centre organised a visit by more than 20 farmers to a successful vanilla farm in Kimanis,” he said.
As part of ongoing efforts to support the farming community, 47 agricultural roads have been identified for upgrades and construction this year, and RM1.5mil has been allocated from his constituency fund for the improvements.
Bangkuai said improved infrastructure and training would support farmers and create opportunities for agri-tourism to position Kiulu as a model for rural economic development.