KAPIT - Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan has urged the predominantly farming community in the Song district to commercialise their agricultural activities, which will help them boost their income.
He said residents in the district should switch to modern agriculture by exploring downstream activities.
"The poverty rate in Song is 60 per cent. We have no other choice but to venture into business to reduce this rate,” he said.
He was speaking at the launch of the "Jum Regista Bisnes” programme by Sarawak International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, represented by the Ministry advisor (Small and Medium Enterprises) Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, in Song today.
According to Lidam, adopting modern farming methods would also help farmers in Song reduce working time.
He added that the existing assistance provided by the government will be of no help if farmers do not embrace new agriculture methods.
A total of 200 participants attended the programme, which is aimed at assisting unlicensed entrepreneurs, vendors and business owners in Song to register their businesses and obtain licences. - BERNAMA