He said the state currently exports RM900 million in food, comprising mostly fish, chillies and ginger.

In 2018, the agricultural industry contributed 12.4% to the state gross domestic product of RM16.5 billion. This is expected to increase to 15% next year.

“We have sufficient land and good weather,” Abang Johari said when launching the Sarawak Agrofest here today.

“It would be useless to have a lot of land but the people live in poverty.

“With a little effort and modern technology, we can be a big exporter of food products.”

Abang Johari said the state government had allocated RM797 million for the state’s agricultural activities for 2020.

Abang Johari said Singapore has topped the Global Food Security Index, meaning its citizens had access to safe and nutritious food at affordable prices.

Malaysia was ranked 40th in terms of food security under this index, he said.

Abang Johari hoped more allocations will be provided to achieve the federal government’s objective of both Sabah and Sarawak increasing production of animal feed.

He said these two states had enough resources for this purpose.

Imports of animal feed in Malaysia are currently worth RM60 billion, he added.