Majority of Brunei farms suitable for rice production: study

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

A MAJORITY of areas that are used for rice production in the Brunei-Muara and Temburong district have been identified as environmentally suitable for commercial production, according to government studies.

In a press statement sent by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) yesterday, a presentation was delivered regarding the ‘Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment Studies’ at the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood headquarters earlier this week.

The findings revealed that the areas that will contribute significantly to national rice production include Wasan, Junjongan, Panchor Murai, Batong and parts of Batang Perhentian in Brunei-Muara district. Selapon and Sipal in Temburong district were also included.

“However, areas like Bebuloh and parts of Batang Perhentian in the Brunei-Muara district and Lekiun-Perdayan and Senukoh in Temburong district have limitations,” the statement read.

These limitations, the statement added, prevent further expansion and mechanised cultivation of the areas mentioned due to deep peat soil. “The study has recommended the formulation and enforcement of regulations to restrict the use of peat soil for rice cultivation and other crop production activities,” read the statement.

The studies also revealed that currently, all project areas are free from nitrate and pesticide contamination as the current usage of fertilisers and pesticides are still within the controlled safe limit.

During the presentation, appropriate mitigation measures were suggested to prevent or minimise the impact to the environment.

These measures include recycling rice straws as fertiliser through composting and reducing the use of pesticides through integrated pest management.

An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was also formulated and proposed, added the statement.

The plan includes monitoring the environmental impacts of rice production areas.

The findings were presented by Technotest Sdn Bhd, represented by Dr Biswajeet Pradhan, an Associate Professor from the University Putra Malaysia.

The event was attended by the Acting Deputy director of Agriculture and Agrifood, Hjh Khartini Hj Musa as well as senior officers and staff from the department.

“The main objective of the studies was to assess the impact of commercial rice production development on the environment,” read the statement. - Wail Wardi Wasil

Sumber - The Brunei Times