| Azaraimy HH |
THE Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) held an event yesterday to introduce novel cost-effective farming methods to less privileged families at RPN Kampong Lugu.
Officiated by Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, the event also saw the handing over of specially designed farming models to two participants.
Also present were Legislative Council members YB Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari and YB Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit; Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Permanent Secretary at the MPRT; as well as top officials from the various government agencies, penghulu and village heads, and officers from the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood.
The event aimed at introducing new farming methods that can generate income for the less privileged in the society and encourage them to engage in farming activity, especially cultivating vegetables by and using used materials and employing hydroponics and fertigation technologies that do not need high capital investment and big land areas.
After the introductory event at RPN Kampong Lugu, the minister and his entourage also visited the project site of a single mother Adeyshahmi binti Haji Mat Niah in Kampong Bukit Panggal, Tutong to watch closely how cost-effective farming methods are being carried out commercially at the site.
While in Tutong, the minister also visited the Moncherry Fruit Farm Sdn Bhd and Chin Farm in Kampong Padnunok, Kiudang to see the cultivation of non-seasonal fruit such as passion fruit, markisa and vegetables.
The minister and his delegation also visited the project of Nur Haziyah binti Muhammad Abas in Kampong Bukit.
The visits aimed to encourage the public to undertake farming as an income generating activity.
According to the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, less privileged individuals in the country can cultivate vegetables and herbs using bottles at their house and earn a decent income.
This farming method requires only 1.5 litre bottles, some used wood, soil, nails and used mop cloths.
The vegetables that can be cultivated using this method are mustard, kailan, soup leaves and basil.
A revenue simulation prepared by the ministry showed that this farming method is capable of generating an income of B$400-B$1,000 a month, depending on the type of produce and the dedication of the participants. The capital needed is only around B$30-B$80.