Diversify your agricultural activities, such as cultivating terong Dayak, Sikie tells longhouse communities

TATAU, Aug 15 2026: Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) John Sikie Tayai has encouraged longhouse communities to diversify their agricultural activities by cultivating high-potential crops such as terong Dayak and coffee plants as additional sources of income for their families.

Caption: Minister John Sikie Tayai says palm oil certainly provides a source of income for longhouse residents, but we can also cultivate other crops to increase income

He said such crops have the potential to be cultivated commercially, including through a group approach among longhouse residents.

"Palm oil certainly provides a source of income for longhouse residents, but we can also cultivate other crops to increase income, including terong Dayak and coffee plants," he said.

He was speaking at the closing of the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) at Rumah Siba, Nanga Setengin, Ulu Anap, yesterday.

According to him, the implementation of AgriCOP also helps improve the knowledge and skills of farmers in terms of management and care of crops to ensure optimum production.

Principal assistant director of the extension division of the Sarawak Agriculture Department, Freddy Paul Giang, said that the two-day programme was attended by about 150 participants from 16 longhouses.

He said that among the contents of the programme were sharing on oil palm crops, grafting techniques, producing terong Dayak, cordial drinks and aspects of fish licensing.

The programme focused on efforts to encourage longhouse communities to venture into commercial agriculture as an additional source of income.

Also present were Tatau District Officer Calvin Ligong, Bintulu Division Agriculture Officer representative Roselind Anyi and Tatau District Agriculture Officer Joseph Mawan.