By Jon Tampoi
The Agri Food Fair was yesterday launched in Temburong District as part of the activities held in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan's 60th birthday.
On hand to launch the event, aimed at encouraging the public to get involved in the agriculture industry, was Deputy Director of Agriculture Department Dyg Hjh Normah Suria Hayati bte Dr Awg Hj Md Jamil Al-Sufri, who was present on behalf of Agriculture Department Director Pg Hjh Mariana bte Pg Hj Abdul Momin.
Pg Hjh Mariana, in her speech read by Dyg Hjh Normah, noted that the agriculture sector has in the past five years contributed two-three per cent to the national economy.
She also said Temburong is the biggest rice producing district in the country with main paddy fields in Lekiun Perdayan, Selapon and Senukoh.
The district also proves to have potential in producing a large quantity of fruits and vegetables, with Labu Estate, Berkarut, Selapon and Selangan showing promises.
The move to develop Temburong as an agriculture hotspot is in line with His Majesty's recent call to emphasise on the "Green Earth" policy, Dyg Hjh Normah said, adding that it also creates job opportunities for the residents.
Dyg Hjh Normah later toured the exhibition and the bazaar as well as presented prizes to the winners of various competitions held yesterday.
The Agri Food Fair runs until July 30 at the Agriculture Development Office in Jalan Puni/Ujong, Temburong.
Motivational, padi harvesting and food technology talks have also been lined up for the fair.
- Borneo Bulletin
(28th July 2006)
