Pehin Dato Haji Yahya (C), Minister Of Industry And Primary Resources, And Zhang Taolin (R), China's Vice Minister Of Agriculture, Trying Out The Chinese Method Of Broadcast Planting With The Trial Seedlings In Mukim Labi, Belait.

Kuala Belait - The development of rice varieties for national mass production took another leap forward yesterday as another variety, this one brought in from China, experienced its inaugural planting in the Sultanate as part of the trials to determine which varieties are best suited for growing in Brunei.

This latest trial candidate has been introduced to Brunei through a joint venture by local company Wen Zhong AgroScience and Technology and Guangxi Wangwangda Farmers Co Ltd from China. The companies inked the deal at the close of the 31st Mean Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting earlier this week.

The cooperation involves an area of about 700 hectares, which is an extension of Lot Sengkuang in Mukim Labi, Belait District.

This initial phase will involve trials for rice varieties brought from China and will be conducted during the main paddy-planting season this month.

At the launch of the trial yesterday at Lot Sengkuang, Wen Zhong Agro-Science and Technology Chairman Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Kassim Hj Johan said that the next three months would prove to be crucial in determining which variety from the trials best suits Brunei's agricultural conditions.

However, he added that so far the trials were showing promise. "So far we are seeing excellent results in the seedlings' growth and hopefully by the first harvest sometime in February next year, we will be able to see how the crops fare in our climatic environment, soil conditions and resistance to pests and come up with solutions to ensure a proper management system in the field."

The launch was officiated by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR), Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dam Paduka Hj Bakar and the visiting Vice Minister of Agriculture from China, Zhang Taolin.

The event, which began at the Labi multipurpose hall, saw the Board of Directors of Wen Zhong Agro-Science and Technology, Penghulu Haji Kamarhan Atma and members of the Consultative Village Council receiving the guests of honour before proceeding to Lot Sengkuang.

At the site, a plaque-signing ceremony formalised the trial of the new variety followed by the viewing of exhibits of farm equipment and ploughing techniques.
The guests were also given an opportunity of trying the Chinese "broadcast" technique of sowing rice.

Also present at the launch was Tong Xiaoling, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, MIPR Deputy Minister Data Paduka Hj Hamdillah Hj Abd Wahab, MIPR Permanent Secretary Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar and MIPR Deputy Permanent Secretary Pg Hjh Mariana Pg Dipa Negara Laila Diraja Pg Hj Abdul Momin. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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