MIPR serious about food security

MIPR serious about food security


Attentive:(Top) Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Dato Hj Yahya discussing during his working visit to KKP Lot Mobil (Cadangan Padi MOF & DOA) at Mukim Labi, Belait District. (Above) One and of the farmers planting padi during the visit by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources. Pictures: BT/Zamri Zainal
NURUL ARIPIN
BELAIT

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

THE Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar made a whole-day working visit to the padi plantation areas in the Belait District yesterday.

In line with the ministry's efforts and initiative

through the Agriculture Department in dealing with the country's food safety issues, especially rice, the working visit aimed to observe closely the present padi plantation areas and other areas seen as having the potential to develop as well as to improve local padi production in the country, as to enhance domestic production.

The minister and officers were welcomed at the Labi multipurpose hall where they were briefed on the areas to be covered for the visit by Hj Kamarhan Atma, the village headman of Mukim Labi.

The minister made his first visit to Lot Sengkuang, Mukim Labi, the largest padi byproduct contributors for the Belait District. The area covered 155 hectares with 111 farmers and has currently produced 192.5 metric tonnes of padi.

During the working visit, the minister was also told of a new type of rice seed that is undergoing development by industrialists with the support of Agriculture Department.

Dubbed as BDR1, this rice seed is capable of producing twice as much production as the recent production capacity.

BDR1 is also capable of producing better quality rice that would be more in favour of the locals' taste.

In addition, BDR1 also has the potential to take over traditional rice products such as PUSU, BARIO and ADAN.

The minister then proceeded with a visit to Kawasan Kemajuan Pertanian (KKP) Rampayoh, Mukim Labi, an area which consists of a fruit and vegetable production site and goat livestock on an area of 78.16 hectare, which is currently managed by 10 plantation companies.

This was followed by a visit to another padi plantation area, Ladang Perusahaan Warisan Jasa, which is managed by Datin Hjh Hazizah Hj Adam.

A mass Zohor prayer as well as lunch was held at Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Major General (B) Hj Sahari Ahmad's residence.

The working visit concluded with afternoon visits to SCY Farm and the Forestry Department in Badas.

The Brunei Times