In Brunei Darussalam, agriculture is seen as more than a sector as it is fundamentally a cornerstone of the nation’s vision for a sustainable future.
With food security and economic diversification at the forefront of its agenda, the country is cultivating a robust agricultural and agrifood industry to sustain its national food supply and drive growth in its gross domestic product (GDP).
As the nation strides towards Brunei Vision 2035, the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood plays a vital role, championing local commodities while innovating ways to secure raw materials and food supplies. Here, agriculture isn’t just a tradition. It’s a pathway to economic resilience.
Brunei’s agriculture and agri-food sector has experienced consistent growth between 2019 and 2023, with the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood driving initiatives to sustain this positive momentum.
Efforts include the Agriculture Pilot Project, Contract Farming for youth, and programmes aimed at business expansion and facilitating access to local and export markets. The department is also opening new areas for crop, livestock, and paddy production, aiming to enhance productivity and resilience.
A recent highlight is the participation of three young Bruneians in the ‘Brunei-Japan Agriculture Exchange Programme’ as part of the Japanese-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) programme, alongside an officer from the department.
Among them, Senior Agriculture Assistant Abdul Aziz bin Awang Tujoh is keen to bring back insights into Japanese technology and food standards. He envisions applying these practices locally, not only to boost exports but also to inspire Brunei’s youth to consider careers in agriculture.
The department’s adoption of advanced farming techniques and modern technology underscores its commitment to future-proofing the sector. By integrating innovative practices, Brunei aims to strengthen its agricultural productivity, foster youth interest in farming, and elevate local products to international markets. These strides mark a progressive step towards achieving the nation’s sustainable development goals.
“The country currently relies heavily on conventional farming methods,” noted Abdul Aziz. “If feasible, our department aims to adopt high-tech agricultural practices, such as the use of greenhouses.
“These facilities allow crops to be cultivated under controlled conditions, improving both the quality and quantity of our produce.”
He expressed optimism about the potential of the JENESYS programme to address gaps within the sector.
Meanwhile, Mori Farm’s Team Production Supervisor, 24-year-old Noor Asnny John, feels honoured to represent her company in the Brunei-Japan Agriculture Exchange Programme.
Eager to explore Japanese agricultural techniques, Noor Asnny hopes to share her experiences with Brunei’s youth and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.
“Japan uses impressive technology, and I look forward to learning from their advancements,” she shared. She sees this opportunity as a chance to inspire younger generations to pursue agriculture, particularly as Brunei focuses on enhancing rice cultivation to achieve local sufficiency and explore export opportunities.
“Japan’s expertise in paddy plantation development is something I’m excited to learn about and apply back home,” she added.
Noor Asnny also plans to share her insights with her team at Mori Farm, which champions sustainable practices at its Sinaut, Tutong District location. The farm produces a variety of organic goods, including fresh produce, powdered products, and teas, all grown, processed, and packaged on-site.
With her childhood memories of helping her grandmother grow vegetables fuelling her passion, Noor Asnny believes agriculture offers diverse career opportunities in Brunei, requiring hard work but offering rich rewards.
Through this programme, she aims to contribute innovative ideas to her company while inspiring a new generation to embrace the potential of Brunei’s agricultural sector.
Twenty-seven-year-old Zulfadhli Huzaimi, owner and manager of Harvest Moon, is also among the selected participants for the Brunei-Japan Agriculture Exchange Programme.
Recognising Japan’s reputation for excellence in agriculture, Zulfadhli is eager to gain insights into their practices, particularly their emphasis on quality across crops, poultry, and fishery sectors.
“This visit is a chance to learn about Japan’s farm ethics and advanced technologies. The lessons we bring back can be implemented in areas like fruits, vegetables, and paddy cultivation,” he shared. “It’s also an invaluable opportunity for business networking and innovation.”
With a degree in Global Business Management from Coventry University, Zulfadhli ventured into modern agriculture in 2021 under the guidance of Irritec Sdn Bhd. He played a pivotal role in setting up farms and greenhouses equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
In 2022, he established Harvest Moon, focusing on premium Japanese muskmelons, making it Brunei’s first AI-integrated and IoT (Internet of Things) farm.
Zulfadhli hopes to leverage Japanese technologies to boost agricultural productivity in Brunei.
“Technology offers immense benefits. By adopting these innovations, we can significantly enhance the state of agriculture in Brunei,” he added.
Another delegate, Wafiuddin Karim, the founder of Cahaya Agro, is optimistic that the Brunei-Japan Agriculture Exchange Programme will offer fresh perspectives and valuable insights for his farm. He aspires to share the skills and experiences gained during the visit with fellow young Bruneians passionate about agriculture.
“I’m impressed with how they manage their farming, particularly their paddy fields. Their irrigation systems and structured methods are exceptional,” he said.
“The trip is undoubtedly an eye-opener. While not everything may be directly applicable, we can adapt and develop our ideas to enhance local farming practices and guide the next generation in agriculture.”
Wafiuddin hopes this journey will inspire innovative ideas to drive Brunei’s agricultural development and create a ripple effect among young, aspiring farmers.
The group is in Japan from November 19 to 25, participating in a range of activities. These include a lecture on ‘Agricultural Land Improvement Projects’ by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in Tokyo and observing aquaponics technology at Fujisawa Aquponi Village in Kanagawa prefecture.
The programme will also take them to Mie prefecture, where they’ll stay with farming families and engage in hands-on experiences such as mandarin harvesting and farming activities. The trip concludes in Tokyo, marking a week of cultural exchange and agricultural learning. – Lyna Mohamad
