The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), through the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, has always been responsive to the needs of entrepreneurs in terms of providing incentives such as fertilisers and pesticides.

However, the department will not be able to meet all their needs with the present allocation, said the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, at the Legislative Council (LegCo) Meeting yesterday, in response to queries made by YB Awang Haji Mohd Shafiee bin Ahmad.

Only the basic needs can be fulfilled in all four districts, explained the minister, adding that steps to reduce dependence on poisons and chemicals is being taken, while entrepreneurs are urged to control pests by maintaining farm cleanliness through regular grass-cutting and by destroying unwanted growth and weeds, among others.

The minister also advised entrepreneurs to purchase chemicals from licensed operators approved by the Ministry of Health (MoH).

Another effort to produce high yield in produce is to use straight fertilisers that are much cheaper compared to compound fertilisers.

The LegCo member also raised the issue of sweet oranges that are no longer planted in the Belait District, to which the minister responded that citrus greening disease has resulted in low yields and low quality of citrus fruits in terms of size and taste, and that the disease has no antidote.

The Department of Agriculture and Agrifood is currently doing research on "rehabilitation" of the sweet orange industry and introducing disease-free sweet oranges.

The micro-propagation of disease-free citrus planting is also being looked into.

Research on "heat therapy" to curb citrus greening disease is progressing, he added.

In responses to queries from YB Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Ahad, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism also elaborated that the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood in its efforts to increase paddy production has initiated several steps that include giving incentives, such as fertilisers, pesticides, machinery and equipment and paddy schemes, in terms of providing courses to enhance the knowledge of entrepreneurs in raising yield as well as further research for developing new breeds of paddy, among others.

A research conducted by the department on a new variety of paddy in Sekuang, Temburong has shown great promise, added the minister.

On a query on the availability of machines in the Temburong District, he responded there are no plans to introduce heavy machinery as the soil there has weak structure and hence lack stability.

However, smaller and lighter types of machines can be used.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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