Temburong set to become Brunei's top rice producer
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
THE Department of Agriculture brought to life the Tamu Muhibah Aneka Selera in Temburong with the Agri-Food Festival 2007.
The eight-day affair, held in conjunction with His Majesty's 61st birthday celebrations, started on July 29. The festival was officially launched yesterday by the assistant district officer, Matussin Orang Kaya Sura Hj Tuba, who presented prizes for the best booth displays.
The invited guests, consisting mainly of officers and staff from the Department of Agriculture, village heads and longhouse chiefs, were treated to a cultural performance by the three ethnic groups of Temburong.
The concept for this year's Agri-Food Festival leans towards an exhibition or expo for food products yielded from agricultural sources. A variety of other products are also available to make the festival more interesting.
"It's very fitting for the festival to be held in Temburong," Matussin said in his speech. "The district is known for its fertile soil and for producing an encouragingly wide range of agricultural produce, especially our local padi."
From 2005 to 2006, Temburong recorded a total area of 228.90 hectares allocated to agriculture. Around 170 farmers bring in an estimate of 265, 930 kilograms of locally-grown rice, which at a rate of $1.60 per kg brings the total for the year to $425,488.00.
Given the numbers, each farmer received around $2,500, which is considered to be a significant profit.
But the assistant district officer urged farmers to continue expanding their efforts in order to increase production and profits for the future.
"In future, Temburong should have a centre for the mass management of processing padi to rice, followed by packaging and supplying to shops and supermarkets," Matussin recommended.
"The initiative doesn't need to be taken by the Department of Agriculture, but other agencies such as village councils and corporations could come forth to help make the vision a reality."
The assistant district officer shared his vision of the centre with guests, where he hoped farmers would be more organised and motivated.
"Temburong is also a large producer of dried food such as crackers, which could easily penetrate the market to other districts and even internationally," he added.
"There is so much that can still be done. We have the space and a number of opportunities available for the taking," Matussin advised. "Cooperation is essential for moving forward to turn the agricultural and farming sector into one taking advantage of Temburong's fertile soil."
The Brunei Times
The eight-day affair, held in conjunction with His Majesty's 61st birthday celebrations, started on July 29. The festival was officially launched yesterday by the assistant district officer, Matussin Orang Kaya Sura Hj Tuba, who presented prizes for the best booth displays.
The invited guests, consisting mainly of officers and staff from the Department of Agriculture, village heads and longhouse chiefs, were treated to a cultural performance by the three ethnic groups of Temburong.
The concept for this year's Agri-Food Festival leans towards an exhibition or expo for food products yielded from agricultural sources. A variety of other products are also available to make the festival more interesting.
"It's very fitting for the festival to be held in Temburong," Matussin said in his speech. "The district is known for its fertile soil and for producing an encouragingly wide range of agricultural produce, especially our local padi."
From 2005 to 2006, Temburong recorded a total area of 228.90 hectares allocated to agriculture. Around 170 farmers bring in an estimate of 265, 930 kilograms of locally-grown rice, which at a rate of $1.60 per kg brings the total for the year to $425,488.00.
Given the numbers, each farmer received around $2,500, which is considered to be a significant profit.
But the assistant district officer urged farmers to continue expanding their efforts in order to increase production and profits for the future.
"In future, Temburong should have a centre for the mass management of processing padi to rice, followed by packaging and supplying to shops and supermarkets," Matussin recommended.
"The initiative doesn't need to be taken by the Department of Agriculture, but other agencies such as village councils and corporations could come forth to help make the vision a reality."
The assistant district officer shared his vision of the centre with guests, where he hoped farmers would be more organised and motivated.
"Temburong is also a large producer of dried food such as crackers, which could easily penetrate the market to other districts and even internationally," he added.
"There is so much that can still be done. We have the space and a number of opportunities available for the taking," Matussin advised. "Cooperation is essential for moving forward to turn the agricultural and farming sector into one taking advantage of Temburong's fertile soil."
The Brunei Times
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