SANDAKAN: An avocado cultivation technical course organised by the Sandakan Agriculture Department was successfully held Thursday at the orchard of Tanjong Papat State Assemblyman Alex Thien, along Jalan Cheng Ho off Mile 12 Jalan Labuk.
The programme attracted more than 20 participants, including agricultural practitioners, planting enthusiasts, and over ten Agriculture Department personnel.
Thien, who also spoke as a guest speaker, shared his decade of farming experience and insights into agricultural management. The course included technical briefings by Agriculture Department officials and a hands-on field demonstration covering pruning, fertilisation, and daily orchard maintenance.
With around 10 years in agriculture, Thien said the sector is no longer a traditional industry reliant solely on manual labour. He noted that modern agriculture is moving towards professionalisation and commercialisation, driven by advancing technology and growing market demand.
“Today’s agricultural market is very broad. As long as the right techniques are applied, technology is used effectively, and proper planning is done, agriculture can generate stable income and sustainable growth,” he said.
He also stressed that local farmers should move beyond selling raw produce and actively build local agricultural brands to increase value-added products and market competitiveness.
Thien pointed out that Sabah’s favourable natural conditions and abundant resources mean local products can reach wider markets with consistent quality, good packaging, and strong branding.
“We should not only sell agricultural produce, but also think about how to build a brand for Sandakan and for Sabah,” he said.
He thanked the Sandakan Agriculture Department for its ongoing training and support schemes, and encouraged young people to take up farming.
“Agriculture is about national food security and future development. I encourage more youths to participate in government programmes, learn modern techniques, and use digital marketing to bring new vitality into the sector,” he said. -James Leong
Sandakan Agriculture Officer Ahmad Kandung (2nd right), presents a memento to Thien.
