Bandar Seri Begawan - The Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrifood Festival 2012 at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre received 25,000 visitors, the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources stated at the close of the Festival yesterday.

The festival was officially closed by Dyg Hjh Normah Suria Hayati binti Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Awg Hj Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

The Agricultural, Fisheries and Agrifood Festival, held in conjunction with the Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day 2012, was officially opened on November 14 at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar.

The festival was participated by a total of 207 producers in various categories, showcasing and offering processed products of agriculture and fisheries, fruit and vegetables. They were joined by producers from the rural areas, participants from Mukim Consultative Councils and Handicrafts, farm machinery and inputs, diving and tour equipment, aquaculture catches, farms and fruit decorations.

Also participating in the weeklong festival were entrepreneurs from instant food suppliers and general vendors.

The festival was open to consumers for seven days starting November 14 from 9am to 12 noon and then from 2pm to 9pm daily.

Visitors could also participate in various activities organised by the festival's activities committee, such as "Fish in the Tank", a weight guessing competition, a dart challenge game and "Guess Who I Am".

The colouring contest and "throwing a circle on a duck's neck" were among the activities that received encouraging response from members of the public, especially among the children, some of whom were seen actively taking part in quizzes at the Agriculture and Fisheries Clinic.

In addition, a photography contest was also one of the popular events during the festival. The photos taken at the festival would depict the atmosphere during the event at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre.

During the closing ceremony yesterday, certificates of appreciation and souvenirs were given to judges of the Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Awards 2012 and certificates of appreciation to sponsors.

The certificates were handed over by the guest of honour, Dyg Hjh Normah Suria Hayati, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

Also present during the closing ceremony were deputy permanent secretaries and heads of department of Agriculture and Agrifood as well as fisheries and producers and entrepreneurs participated in the Agricultural, Fisheries and Agrifood Festival 2012.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin