KUCHING, The Food Basket Development Project in Spaoh, Betong district, which is part of the Federal Government's food basket initiative is expected to be completed early next year. Regional Corridor Development Authority's (RECODA) chief executive officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni said the project, currently 70 per cent completed, will be a collection, processing, and packaging centre (CPPC) for local agricultural products. 'This initiative underscores RECODA's commitment to transform rural Sarawak into an economic powerhouse through targeted socio-economic development projects. 'Additionally, plans are underway to establish another CPPC in Sungai Baji, Sarikei,' he said in a statement here today. Ismawi said RECODA aims to enhance agricultural infrastructure to impact rural areas, with CPPCs playing a key role to boost local economies and food security. RECODA recently signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Carus Group, Nex Ecoventure, and Samling Group. These partnerships are set to optimise produc tion, manage equipment, oversee supply chains and enhance operational efficiency at the CPPCs and integrated highland agriculture stations (IHAS) in Betong, Sarikei and Long Banga. The collaborations also focus on empowering local farmers via knowledge transfer and promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices. Source: BERNAMA News Agency