• Today: September 14, 2026

Brunei sows seeds for high-yielding hybrid rice industry

In efforts to strengthen local capacity and expertise in rice breeding and hybrid rice seed production as well as to support the continued successful adoption of hybrid rice technology in the country, including efforts towards the establishment of a Hybrid Rice Research Centre in Brunei Darussalam, the expert advisory programme on hybrid rice breeding and seed production in Brunei Darussalam was officiated by Permanent Secretary (Industry) at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Mohammad Harris bin Brigadier General (R) Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim in a ceremony yesterday.

The one-year programme is being implemented under technical assistance from the Government of China and organised in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, which will run in Brunei Darussalam from August 18, 2026 to August 17, 2027.

Two senior experts in rice breeding and hybrid rice seed production from Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co, Ltd will conduct the programme, which will involve officers from the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, as well as lecturers and researchers from higher education institutions.

Ambassador-Designate of China to Brunei Darussalam Chen Shaochun, and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Primary Resources and Tourism) at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Haji Mohd Yusree bin Haji Junaidi with Acting Director of Agriculture and Agrifood Dr Diana Dennis; senior officials and officers from the ministry also attended.

“We believe and look forward to this new initiative serving as a continuation of the longstanding agricultural cooperation between China and Brunei, and making a positive contribution to the national food security and economic diversification of our friendly neighbour, Brunei Darussalam, the ‘Abode of Peace’,” said the ambassador-designate.

Through this collaboration, it aims to further strengthen efforts to increase rice productivity in Brunei Darussalam, particularly in irrigated and rain-fed farming areas, through the adoption of high-performing and high-yielding hybrid rice varieties, thereby enhancing the sustainability and resilience of the country’s rice industry. – James Kon

Permanent Secretary (Industry) at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Mohammad Harris bin Brigadier General (R) Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim and Ambassador-Designate of China to Brunei Darussalam Chen Shaochun with officials in a group photo. PHOTO: JAMES KON

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/JAMES KON

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