Agriculture Talk For Village Leaders

Bandar Seri Begawan - Amidst talks of promoting agriculture industry in Brunei, some 100 penghulus and village heads attended a briefing held conducted by the Department of Agriculture regarding a number of issues.

Though the briefing was to inform participants, among others, the status of Brunei's agricultural industrythose invited brought forth a problem which most of them, especially farmers encounter: the macaque or locally called ambuk. They shared their frustrations, understanding that on a much larger scale, the animal can cause significant financial losses.

One village head suggested if it was possible for the authorities to capture them rather than having them killed.

The Agriculture Department, in responding to the complaint, regrettably announced that such a problem is beyond their jurisdiction as the animal cannot be killed on purpose, recommending that those encountering difficulties should give the Department of Museums a call.

Another issue raised was the rising prices from imported goods and the need to promote local ones, especially local varieties of rice. The department said that they have encouraged rice farmers to grow three local varieties but consumers still chose fragrant rice from Thailand. It's the customer's right to select a product to their liking and taste was attributed.

Yesterday's briefing led by the Acting Director of Agriculture, Hjh Aidah Hj Mohd Hanifah, was also to inform the public regarding incentives and programmes; facilities and subsidies offered by the department; its direction and target for 2008-2013 as well as strategic, plans to achieve them. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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