Lyna Mohamad
Businesses in the agriculture sector were ecstatic over the return of the Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPPN) mini exhibition and were keen to showcase produce to visitors.
The 12th edition of the mini-expo is being held over the weekend, and the Bulletin spoke with a number of participating vendors.
A new participant of the expo is Dragon Farm, who began operations about two years ago.
A farm representative said it operates under the government’s agriculture scheme in the Belait District and plants mainly coconut, with pineapples as a side crop.
They hope to support the government’s vision in ensuring the nation’s food security.
Perusahaan Zaias has participated in the HPPPN mini-expo before the pandemic.
The farm produces a wide range of hydroponic vegetables as well as Pak Choy and Basil.
Nurul Jahirah Rozainah binti Madini from Perusahaan Zaias shared that it has been quite an encouraging outcome since day one. They nearly sold out the 60 packs of vegetables they brought by the end of the first day.
Haji Ilias bin Haji Metussin of Sahamada Corporation said that feedback and business were good.The company produces local prawn crackers and a variety of sauces.
“The exhibition can help connect the government and the private sector, and a platform to discuss on how to further expand this industry,” he said.
Elizabeth Chiew is another newcomer to the exhibition.
She recently began a business with selling handmade herbal products like soaps, oils and aromatic candles made from nature.
“The event is a good platform for exposure for small businesses like her own”, she said.
She added the opening crowd is encouraging, and hopes more will turn up over the weekend.
The event, which features products on agriculture, fisheries and agrifood products, livestock breeders and fishermen in the country, is held at Dewan Muhibbah, Jalan Airport Lama in Berakas and concludes tomorrow.
