| Azaraimy HH |
LIVESTOCK producers in the country should continue expanding their production – to fulfil the needs of the local market and for exports, create more jobs and make a bigger contribution to the country’s GDP growth, according to the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong.
The minister was speaking to the media on the sidelines of his visit to QAF Farm Sdn Bhd’s 65-hectare chicken farm at the Mungkom Agriculture Development Area, Kiudang in Tutong yesterday.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali said he would like to see local livestock farms put in more efforts to expand their operations and look into export opportunities, advising them to not stay complacent with their current levels of production.
Speaking about his visit to the farm, the minister said it was a continuation of his series of planned visits to agricultural sites and businesses in the country.
“What is interesting here at QAF Farm is that they have strong bio-security measures in place, for example, workers and visitors need to pass through a strict cleansing process, including changing of clothes and boots before [being allowed to go] into the farms,” said the minister.
The cleansing process is the first step to prevent pest infestation and diseases in the poultry. “This should be a good example for others to follow,” the minister added.
“I believe that there is a strong potential for this farm to be expanded, to increase their production and create more job opportunities.
“The same goes for the other farms, where their main objective should be to increase their production year on year, which will help in creating job opportunities and increasing their contributions towards the country’s GDP growth.”
The minister said that increasing production does not necessarily mean the farms only expand their share of the domestic market, but rather they should look into exporting their produce to countries such as Japan, Singapore, South Korea and others.
“They can expand not necessarily just in chicken meats, but also go into areas of opportunities such as egg layers,” the minister added.
“Our country needs development (growth) from all areas, because by staying the same, new jobs opportunities will not be created. From growth, there will also be growth in jobs. This goes for all businesses in the country, be they small, large or medium.”
General Manager of QAF Farm Bohari bin Dasin, meanwhile, said QAF Farm was established in 2001, which means it has now been in operation for 18 years.
“We started with production of around 1.5 million chickens a year, and in 2017 the production has increased to over 2.5 million chickens,” he said.
He pointed out that the increase has been gradual, taking into account the local market conditions.
Bohari added that depending on the company’s assessment, with assistance from relevant government agencies, QAF Farm is also looking for export opportunities, especially to developed countries, where they will be leveraging on the Brunei Halal brand as one of their strengths.
QAF Farm currently has 15 indoor chicken coops, with each having the capacity to accommodate 30,000 chickens.
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