Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to launch the Agriculture Expo and Agri-Food 2009, organised by the Agriculture Department, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

Upon arrival at the expo venue located at Tungku Agricultural Development Area, His Majesty and other members of the royal family were greeted by Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya; Deputy Minister, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hamdillah, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry Dato Paduka Awg Haji Mohd Hamid; Deputy Permanent Secretary Pengiran Rajah Mariana; Director of Agricultural Rajah Normah Suria Hayati, department directors, senior officers and staff of the ministry.

After delivering the titah, His Majesty consented to open the Brunei Agro Technology Park that covers an area of 500ha in Tungku. This was followed by the presentation of awards to winners of Successful Entrepreneur, Progressive Entrepreneur and Innovative Farmer.

His Majesty also visited and toured the exhibition that showcases products of the Agricultural Department that displays four flagships as the main focus stressing on Agricultural Department Strategic Plan - Paddy, Halal Brand Products, Livestock and Agri-Food Industries. His Majesty also visited the Agri-Food and Agricultural Clinic which gives an opportunity to the public to pose any questions on problems relating to agricultural industry.

A total of 196 booths manned by local and foreign entrepreneurs are showcasing their products- at the expo which will run until November 30.

The Tungku Agricultural Development Area has been returned to the government on June 30 this year, which was previously developed by Mitsubishi Corporation known as McFarm. Since then, the area has been developed by the Agriculture-Department, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. The area will soon be developed together with the Brunei Agro Technology Park as well as the development of Brunei Halal Brand. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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