Azlan Othman
The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) is working to increase food supply and strengthen value chain models, particularly for prawn fries and chicks to achieve self-sufficiency. The ministry is also teaming up with importers to expand food import options.
This was said by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin at the 19th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.
He was responding to LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin’s query.
The minister also said the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) and the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood are working to increase foreign direct investment (FDI). Government-linked companies (GLCs) are also investing to increase production in the food industry.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf said 64 per cent (9,000 hectares) of site allocated for agriculture is in use and 36 per cent (3,000 hectares) are open to local and foreign investors.
The minister said the Sultanate needs to produce seven to eight tonnes of rice per season for self-sufficiency. Brunei is 8.5 per cent self-sufficient and aims to increase it to 20 per cent.
