Prior to Independence in 1963, matters relating to agriculture were administered by the Department of Agriculture. During that time, the Department of Agriculture was under the purview of the Natural Resource Board, which was established under the Natural Resource Ordinance, 1949.

With Independence of Sarawak, the administration of the Department of Agriculture was assigned under section 8 of the Sarawak (Constitution) Orders in Council, 1956 to 1963, to the portfolio of the Ministry of Natural Resources. This was a large and wide embracing portfolio which includes Forestry, Lands and Mineral Resources. However, with the change of developmental scenario in the State, the title, style and activities of the original Ministry were changed considerably leading to the present portfolio.