Miri is no longer dependent on oil & gas alone. Agriculture is becoming one of the most promising sectors for local entrepreneurs, supported by Sarawak and Federal government incentives, rising food demand, and available land around northern Sarawak.

This guide explains:

• Which agriculture businesses make sense in Miri
• What grants & incentives are available
• How Miri entrepreneurs can apply step-by-step

🌱 Why Agriculture Is a Growing Opportunity in Miri

Located in northern Sarawak, Miri benefits from:

• Fertile land and year-round rainfall
• Government focus on food security
• Increasing demand for local produce
• Support for young agro-entrepreneurs & SMEs

Agriculture today is no longer traditional farming only — it includes technology, processing, branding, and tourism.

🚜 Agriculture Business Ideas Suitable for Miri

🍍 1. Fruit Farming (High Demand)

Popular crops:

• Pineapple (Sarawak varieties)
• Banana
• Papaya
• Guava
• Soursop

✔ Suitable for smallholders
✔ Strong local & export demand
✔ Supported by government infrastructure projects

🌾 2. Food Crops & Vegetables

Examples:

• Paddy (rice)
• Corn
• Leafy vegetables
• Chili & herbs

✔ Supported by subsidies
✔ Strong domestic food security priority
✔ Suitable for cooperatives & SMEs

🐟 3. Aquaculture & Fish Farming

Options include:

• Freshwater fish ponds
• Prawn & shrimp farming
• Integrated fish-vegetable systems

✔ Increasing protein demand
✔ Supported under national agri-food programmes

🐄 4. Livestock & Poultry

Includes:

• Chicken & duck farming
• Goat & cattle
• Free-range or organic models

✔ Consistent local consumption
✔ Suitable for rural & semi-urban areas

🍯 5. Value-Added Agro Products (HIGH POTENTIAL)

Instead of selling raw produce:

• Fruit juice & dried fruits
• Sauces & condiments
• Packaged local food brands

✔ Higher profit margins
✔ Supported by automation & processing grants
✔ Suitable for home-grown brands

🌿 6. Agro-Tourism & Farm Experiences

Examples:

• Farm stays
• Educational farm tours
• Pick-your-own fruit farms

✔ Combines tourism + agriculture
✔ Great for branding & social media marketing

💰 Government Grants & Incentives for Miri Agriculture Entrepreneurs

🟢 Sarawak Agro Fund (SAF)

Managed under Sarawak land & agriculture agencies.

What it offers:

• Grants & financing up to RM500,000
• Low interest rates (~2.5%–5%)
• Covers farming, livestock & agro-processing

Who should apply:
✔ Existing farmers
✔ Expanding SMEs
✔ Agro-processing businesses

🟡 Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme (via Agrobank)

Offered through Agrobank

Benefits:

• Micro financing for agri-entrepreneurs
• Covers production → processing → marketing
• Suitable for early-stage businesses

✔ Ideal for first-time entrepreneurs
✔ Widely used across Sarawak

🌱 Agropreneur Muda / Agropreneur NextGen Programme

Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

What you get:

• Startup or expansion grants
• Equipment support
• Training & mentoring

✔ Targeted at youth & new agri businesses
✔ Available until 2030 under national plans

🧾 Tax Incentives (Budget Support)

• 100% income tax exemption (up to 10 years) for food production
• Additional incentives for processing & expansion
• Encourages commercial-scale farming

✔ Suitable for registered companies
✔ Long-term growth advantage

🧭 How Miri Entrepreneurs Can Apply (Step-by-Step)

✅ Step 1: Register Your Business

• Register with SSM
• Choose sole proprietor / partnership / Sdn Bhd

✅ Step 2: Prepare a Simple Business Plan

Include:

• Type of agriculture business
• Location & scale
• Estimated costs & revenue
• Expansion plan

(Does NOT need to be complicated)

✅ Step 3: Identify the Right Programme

✅ Step 4: Submit Application

Apply via:

• Government portals
• Agrobank branches
• Agriculture department offices

Supporting documents usually include:

• Business registration
• Bank statements
• Business plan
• IC / company details

🏢 Key Agencies Supporting Agriculture in Miri

• Department of Agriculture Sarawak
• Agrobank
• Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security
• Local district agriculture offices

These agencies also provide:
✔ Training
✔ Technical advice
✔ Farm visits & support

📌 Why Agriculture Is Worth Considering in Miri

✔ Strong government backing
✔ Essential industry (food security)
✔ Suitable for SMEs & families
✔ Scalable from small → commercial
✔ Long-term sustainability

Agriculture is no longer “low income” — with the right support, it can become a profitable and resilient business in Miri.