Local paddy farmers are undergoing capacity-building training in planting, hybrid rice seed production and hybrid rice management. This initiative aims to sustain the successful implementation of hybrid rice technology in Brunei Darussalam.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab officially launched the training programme, a collaborative effort between the Sultanate and China, at the Setia Pahlawan Hal yesterday.
The Agriculture and Agrifood Department, in collaboration with Yuan Long Ping High-Tech Agriculture Co Ltd and with support from China’s Ministry of Commerce, organised the training.
The permanent secretary acknowledged the partnership with Yuan Long Ping High-Tech Agriculture. She said the training course is designed to empower Brunei’s agricultural professionals and farmers with advanced techniques in hybrid rice seed production and comprehensive rice management. By applying these techniques, participants are expected to contribute to increased rice yields and a more sustainable and resilient rice production system. This, in turn, will strengthen national food security, particularly in the face of future uncertainties like climate change.
She commended Yuan Long Ping High-Tech Agriculture for the contribution to Brunei’s agricultural innovation and self-sufficiency in rice production. The collaboration, which began in 2017 with training courses in China and Brunei, has continued with the sharing of germplasm to identify suitable rice varieties for Brunei’s environment.
in a group photo during the launch of the training programme. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
The permanent secretary also expressed gratitude to Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Centre and Hunan Agricultural University for sending experts to conduct the training. She highlighted the positive impact of hybrid rice technology on Brunei’s rice self-sufficiency, which has increased from four per cent to eight per cent.
She emphasised that the training is not only about acquiring new techniques but also about shaping the future of Brunei’s agriculture. The knowledge and skills gained by the participants will be instrumental in enhancing food security, she said. Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo meanwhile highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between China and Brunei, stating, “China and Brunei are close neighbours across the sea, mutually trustworthy friends, and partners of common development, setting a good example of relations between countries of different sizes based on equality and mutual benefit for common development.”
He recalled the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and 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 in San Francisco in November 2023, where both leaders emphasised the importance of expanding cooperation in food security, agriculture, fisheries and other areas. The recent visit by Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng further underscored the importance of agricultural cooperation, as evidenced by his visit to the rice storage house in Muara Port.
Ambassador Xiao emphasised that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, China and Brunei are strengthening the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Brunei Vision 2035. This has led to fruitful cooperation in the agriculture sector, including the successful donation of 100 kilogrammes of high-yielding hybrid rice seeds and the joint participation in rice varietal trials.
He reiterated China’s commitment to working with Brunei to implement the consensus reached by both leaders and to explore suitable rice development models and technologies tailored to Brunei’s specific needs.
The 45-day training programme, which began on October 23, is being conducted by seven experts from Yuan Long Ping High-Tech Agriculture. A total of 35 participants, including representatives from the Agriculture and Agrifood Department, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Institute of Brunei Technical Education Agro-Technology Campus and local farmers, are taking part in the training. – James Kon
