Success of fruit festival may boost local farmers

Dear Editor,

THIS is with reference to your story "Vendors happy with high foot traffic at first fruit festival" (published on Febrary 6, 2012).

I congratulate the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Village Consultative Councils and the Brunei-Muara District Office for organising a nice family event.

The festival will not only help promote local fruits but also enliven the capital and the Waterfront for tourists.

I am very pleased to note that the event remained successful as many vendors have told The Brunei Times that the customers were waiting in queue even before the fruit was unloaded at their stalls.

Lately, the government of His Majesty, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has been encouraging citizens to pay more attention towards agriculture sector to ensure the country grows sufficient food to fulfil its own needs.

The efforts are bearing fruits now and we can see an increased amount of locally produced fruits and vegetables on sale in night markets and shopping stores across the Sultanate.

The fruit festival is also a very good way to promote healthy eating among masses. People coming to the festival with children are encouraged to buy and eat more fruits rather than going for fatty fast foods.

I hope the authorities will continue to hold these kinds of festivals more frequently in the capital to encourage local farmers and ensure food security in the country.

The authorities should also take measures to resolve the parking issue which was mentioned by a number of visitors during their interview with your paper.

AWA, Gadong