KUCHING: Some 30 students from the Tunas Bakti Institute were treated to a familiarisation trip to the Sarawak Agriculture Institute at Semenggok near here yesterday to give them exposure to the agriculture sector.

The trip, organised by the Batu Lintang branch of the state youth movement, Saberkas, was intended to introduce more options on the available industries that students could consider as their career paths once they leave the Tunas Bakti Institute.

There, the students were briefed on modern farming and modern agriculture technologies. The state agriculture institute personnel also provided demonstration on farming activities and handling of modern agriculture equipment.

“One of the main objectives of this trip is to give these students exposure on venturing into the sector. It can be their career paths where they can find work or get involved in both the private and public agriculture sectors.

“Basically, this awareness could provide options for the students on their future undertaking,” Saberkas Batu Lintang branch chairman Patrick Tan told the press during the trip.

Present to officiate at the event was political secretary to the Chief Minister, Sih Hua Tong, who is also Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Batu Lintang branch chairman.

Sarawak Agriculture Institute senior assistant director (Human Resource Development and Extension) Rapoi Sidop explained that the students were exposed to plant propagation of mango, durian and rambutan trees during the trip. Also included in the programme was exposure to goat farming.

“This institute very much welcomes students visit from all schooling and tertiary levels. We are glad to provide students with information and awareness on the agriculture sector,” he said.

Rapoi added that the institute can cater to an average of some 200 agriculture certificate trainees at any one time. The courses are for entry operative level catering to both the private and public sectors.

Admitting around 100 students each year, the next intake is in July.

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