Fast Growing Breed Of Paddy Inspires Hope
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - Two farmers successfully planted paddy seeds on their land at Kg Bukit Ampar in Tutong that matured in about 110 days, proving that such a quick breed can be planted and harvested here.

Hj Matzin Salleh and Hj Mahmud Shahrani Otlunan harvested the breed on their farm yesterday morning, which will be distributed to some 19 paddy farmers in the Temburong fields of Lekiun, Nagalang and Perdayan.

"The 19 farmers will be given 500 grammes of paddy seeds that would produce between 180kg and 200kg of rice. In order to ensure efficiency in this breed's plantation, we will also lend them ploughing machines, so that they can achieve the harvesting target date," the men said.

He stated that an acre of land could harvest about four tonnes of the mentioned breed. Even though the breed can be harvested three times a year, it actually could only be planted twice a year if bad and unsuitable seasons are taken into account.

Hj Matzin Salleh, a retired senior officer from the Agriculture Department, explained that in order to succeed in paddy plantation, the land area must be suitable, as well as have good water source and excellent irrigation systems.

"From our observations, the inability of farmers to provide good irrigation system to their lands prevent them from having good harvests. They did not use ploughing machines to prepare the land or use enough fertilisers to ensure good output from harvests.

"Furthermore, farmers need to acquire basic knowledge in paddy farming as well as being trained to acquire skills," he added. He also suggested for lands to be fully prepared before being handed over to paddy farmers.

"The area must be ensured of good source of water and efficient irrigation system. Furthermore, it should be cleared oftrees and bushes. The applicants must also be fully trained to become good or wise paddy farmers," he reiterated.

Even though the price of imported rice is much cheaper than locally produced products, to safeguard the national security, the Sultanate must produce its own rice.

"It is dangerous to depend on others to produce our staple food, as we need to take into account our national sovereignty, peace and security," he said.

"Our people will be deprived of rice if there is war in the region. Rice is our staple food and we cannot go without it. A lot of people will go hungry. That is why the

Japanese are still producing their own rice even though the cost of production is high."  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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