Ever wondered how we can have more types and varieties of fruits in the market today compared to a decade ago? Or how is it that we can get the sweet green oranges from the Samarahan again ? Thanks to the Research Division of the Department of Agriculture, the farmers and the consumers are now able to enjoy many improved and better variety of vegetables, fruits, and many other crops.

The Research Division is one of the largest divisions of the Department of Agriculture. Although the research arm has been in existence since 1924, it was only in 1955 that it was establish as a branch of the department. Since then it has undergone restructuring and shifts in functions and scope of responsibilities. In the early years, the research branch conducted research not only on crops but also on soils, livestock and inland fisheries. In 1975, individual branches to focus on research activities of livestock husbandry and inland fisheries respectively were established.

Netting the vegetable bed provides protection from insects and pests

Today, the Research Division continues to assume the role of an important R&D institution in Sarawak. Its objective is to develop and market new or improved farming technology packages which are capable of increasing productivity and efficiency leading towards commercialised agriculture for income maximization of farmers. Together with other R&D organisations, it provides the necessary technological support to guide the development of agriculture and food industries in the State.

One of the important functions of the Research Division is to conduct scientific and technical research on crop production and utilisation. Findings from its many research projects are collected, analysed and disseminated to the relevant end users. At government level, the Division also acts as advisor on technical matters concerning the development of agriculture and food industries. It also maintains good contacts with other national and international R&D institutions to keep up with the latest in agricultural technologies and foster goodwill for exchanges of ideas.

The Organisation – Manpower & Finance

To carry out its functions, the Research Division is organised into four branches namely, Food and Horticultural Crops Branch, Industrial Crops Branch, Crop Protection Branch and Research Services Branch. Collectively, the Research Division has a staff strength of about 245 employees under the leadership of a Senior Assistant Director. Out of this number, 30 are scientific staff of various disciplines, and the rest supporting staff of different categories.

The Research Division receives most of its funding from both the State and Federal Government. For the 8th Malaysia Plan, a total budget of RM9 million - RM7 million for the State Government and RM2 million from the Federal Government, was approved.

Agriculture Research Centre, Semongok

The Research Division’s administrative headquarters is at ARC Semongok where most of the work is carried out. ARC Semongok was established in 1967 to replace the old premise at the Biology Laboratory in Batu Lintang built in 1955. Sited in an area of about 203 acres, the division has developed 60 % of the land for field experimentation. It is equipped with plant houses and laboratories to support research. Its latest facilities provide for research on plant tissue culture and genetic manipulation. There are also 10 experimental stations located in various parts of Sarawak. Each station is used for a specific purpose depending on the soil type.

Activities/Services

The Research Division has identified five areas of crop R&D which it pursues firmly. These are also the strategic areas of research that form the core of all the crop programmes and projects.

Quality Planting Materials

Innovative Production systems

Integrated Pest Management

Post-harvest Handling and Processing

Transfer of Technology

Among the activities conducted are research programmes on rice, field crops, fruit crops, vegetable crops, pepper, palms, peat utilisation, tissue culture and bee - keeping. In addition to these, the division also provides analytical services on plant, soil, water and fertiliser. The Pesticide Residue Laboratory monitors pesticide residues in both locally produced and imported vegetables.

Achievements

A new variety of corn developed at the centre

The achievements of the Research Division are the results of years of dedicated service. Some of the findings on crops and planting system are now being implemented by local farmers with amazing results.

There are many new varieties of crops, planting and pest and disease management systems developed and introduced by this division but among the successful and well known ones are the tea variety developed for Mayang Tea Estate of SALCRA, cultivation system for pepper (Sarawak pepper is rated as one of the best quality pepper in the world), planting of sago and oil palm on peat soil, and sericulture ( previously known as Eastern Empress Silk, a project by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation near Sematan ).

The Research Division was instrumental in developing the technology package for citrus rehabilitation. Much effort was spent on techniques to identify the causal organism for the disease and developing a method to produce disease-free planting materials. The success of this project is apparent with the revival of the citrus industry in Samarahan.

In August 1999 the main laboratory at ARC Semongok was granted the ISO/IEC G25 accreditation for a period of two years. This is the first government laboratory to be accredited. Because of vigilant monitoring of pesticide residues by the Pesticide Residue Laboratory, Sarawak now has the lowest incidence of vegetables with pesticide residue that exceed the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) as stipulated in the Food Regulations 1985.

The current approach of the Research Division is to upscale the research operation to represent commercial farming in line with the current Sarawak Agricultural Policy that focuses on increased productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector as well as increased food production.

The Research Division has played an important role in helping the State realise its goal and helping the food producers maximise their income. With the availability of vast tracks of land and improved technologies, the government’s dream of turning Sarawak into a major food producer may well be on its way.

Note : ARC Semongok will be opening its door to the public from October 19-21, 2001. In conjunction with their Open Day, several activities including exhibition, sales of vegetables, fruits and seedlings, guided tours to planting fields and more awaits visitors.