98 / 246
96
Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2020
The minister stressed that their main focus now
is to boost the yield per hectare. He said this
will largely depend on the paddy variety and
also good farming management and techniques
which should not be neglected.
The Agricultural Development Area (KKP) of
Kandol will be operated by a new, wholly
government-owned company under Darussalam
Assets called PaddyCo. The first plots being
farmed in Kandol is managed by PaddyCo.
The remaining three will be done as a trial
collaboration with Indonesia’s Syarikat PT.
Biogene Plantation serves as PaddyCo’s overall
technical partner for three planting seasons.
The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism
(MPRT) is committed to boost research in higher
yielding varieties and monitoring other issues
which affect Brunei’s paddy farmers such as
soil acidity, fertility, irrigation and unpredictable
weather to ensure the country’s rice industry is
on the right track.
Contract Farming
Brunei offers many opportunities for youth to
explore the agriculture industry. There are two
programmes available: Contract Farming and
Pilot Project. The government provides farm
sites and advisory services. Seeds, fertiliser and
pesticides are also provided.
In the Contract Farming programme, 20 hectares of
farmland have been allocated for entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, the Pilot Project programme is
based on trial practice on a small plot of land.
To be eligible, participants must come up with a
feasible proposal. If successful, participants will
be given a farm to be developed over two years.
Participants who meet the criteria may continue
their two-year lease and expand their farm.
A number of schools in Brunei conduct
programmes that explore cost-effective
agricultural methods. Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak
Saleha Secondary SchooI is the first school to
practise the fertigation system for chili planting
in Brunei. Fertigation is a cultivation method
where plants are fertilised through an irrigation
system. The programme equips pre-vocational
graduates with skills in agriculture, financial
management and marketing.
MPRT also organises programmes that explore
modern farming techniques such as hydroponics
and the greenhouse system. These programmes
attract young people and graduates to venture
into the modern farming business.
In February 2019, MPRT launched a farming
course for young local farmers. A total of 31
youth were selected to join the programme.
Participants attended talks on agricultural
technology, pest and disease control and
financial management. Attachments are
available at selected companies.
Local farmers are encouraged to obtain the
Brunei Good Agricultural Practice (GAP)
certificate. Brunei GAP is a national standard
for vegetable and fruit crops, introduced by
the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood in
2014 to boost the potential of local farms. The
certificate helps Bruneian farmers to compete in
regional and international markets.