| Azlan Othman |
HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday said that farming should not be exclusive to those with big plots of land, since vegetables and fruit can also be cultivated in home gardens or in pots.
The monarch made the observation while delivering his titah at the official opening of the Knowledge Convention 2018 at the International Convention Centre, in honour of His Majesty’s 72nd birthday celebrations.
His Majesty said, “We should avoid being passive and squandering this opportunity to take up farming. We must also contribute to the greening of the earth. A green earth is the symbol of wealth.
“This year’s Knowledge Convention focusses on a key area that is truly indispensible – agriculture, with the theme ‘Agricultural Sector: the Survivability of the People and Nation’.
“This theme is relevant enough to be discussed among experts such as academics, regulators and practitioners (entrepreneurs and farmers). It is undoubtedly an important area, but it is also vulnerable to various complexities, including the weather, unstable conditions, pests, crop diseases and other factors.
“Nevertheless, we are still required to delve into it. Why is that so? Because agriculture is the main driving force in life. Without agriculture, our lives would be impacted.
“That is why I have put particular emphasis on agriculture as the field for determining our survival as an independent people and nation.
“Therefore, there is no reason for us to slow down in making strides towards agriculture.”
The monarch also broached the topic of local paddy cultivation, saying, “I am very confident that the relevant agencies will continue to attend to and prioritise the boosting of rice and paddy output in this country.
“In this regard, I have permitted the implementation of new initiatives to increase rice and paddy production.
“Firstly, I gave my consent to a farming project for a high-yielding hybrid variety known as Padi Sembada this year, which is capable of producing six tonnes of rice per hectare in one season, compared to the rice seedlings at present that can only produce three tonnes of rice per hectare in one season.
“This will also be followed by the planting of Padi Titih seedlings, which can produce 8.5 tonnes per hectare in one season.
“These paddy seedlings will be widely grown in areas with complete irrigation systems.
“Secondly, I also consented to the opening of a new area for commercial paddy cultivation in the Kandol area, covering 500 hectares, in the Belait District. This area will be outfitted with the appropriate infrastructure.”
“To ensure the success of these projects, the management of the paddy cultivation will be open to companies, including government-linked companies (GLCs).
“Insya Allah, the introduction of the Padi Sembada and Padi Titih seedlings, coupled with the opening of this new area, will increase the percentage of livelihoods and rice production for Brunei Darussalam.”
His Majesty also added, “It is evident that my government has and will continue to provide a wide range of opportunities, for the field of agriculture.
“I am enthusiastic about the fact that we have produced several farmers who successfully made this field as their primary source of income, particularly in the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, flowers, livestock and fisheries.
“I believe that these successes are due to their sincerity, persistence and keen attitude. I want this attitude to linger among the members of the farming community.
“It is my fervent hope that our farmers will continue to manage their plantations with a sense of responsibility, dedication and self-command, for the survival of the people and the nation.
“Finally, in accordance with the demands of Syariah law and with the integrated efforts of government agencies and other stakeholders, I hope that this year’s Knowledge Convention will truly become a platform, as well as a stimulus for the expansion and empowerment of the agricultural sector in our country. May Allah the Almighty bless all our good works,” said His Majesty, concluding the titah.
Also present at the opening ceremony were Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.
Later, Their Majesties and other members of the royal family toured the Knowledge Convention Exhibition 2018, which focusses on five areas – the Introduction to Agriculture, Agricultural Education, Agribusiness Ecosystem, Entrepreneurship and Products, and Agro-technology.