• Today: September 28, 2026

Rice cultivation paves path for rehabilitation

Inmates had the opportunity to gain agricultural skills and hands-on experience in paddy cultivation following the launch of the Hybrid Paddy Cultivation Project at Maraburong Prison yesterday by the Prisons Department, through its Rehabilitation and Reintegration Division.

The project marking another milestone in strengthening inmates’ rehabilitation efforts saw Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Manpower and Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, the guest of honour, leading the planting of paddy seedlings at the paddy ground to mark the project’s implementation.

The hybrid paddy plantation project is part of a strategic collaboration between the Prisons Department and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), focusing on skills development, character and personal development, as well as preparing inmates to return to society as productive and self-reliant members. The initiative also supports the country’s aspirations to strengthen food security and develop a resilient and productive human capital.

A total of 14 inmates, comprising seven from Phase I and seven from Phase III, are participating in the hybrid rice cultivation project.

Through the programme, inmates are provided with practical training in agriculture, including crop management, efficient resource utilisation, work discipline and proper agricultural practices. The skills not only provide learning experiences during their rehabilitation journey, but may also serve as a potential source of income and employment opportunities in the future.

The approach reflects the Prisons Department’s commitment to implementing outcome-oriented rehabilitation programmes, with emphasis on employability, building self-confidence and reducing the risk of reoffending through individual empowerment and meaningful second chances.

Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Manpower and Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman takes part in the hybrid paddy plantation project. PHOTO: JAMES KON
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show participants during the programme. PHOTO: JAMES KON
PHOTO: JAMES KON

As an initial step towards ensuring the success of the project, the Prisons Department collaborated with the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, through its Soil Science and Nutrient Unit, to conduct soil analysis at the project site.

Based on the results of the analysis received in April 2026, the approximately 1.5-acre project site was found to have suitable potential for hybrid rice cultivation.

The assessment serves as an important basis for ensuring that the project is implemented in a planned and sustainable manner, with the potential to achieve good productivity.

For the first phase, the Yuan 158 hybrid rice variety was selected based on its high yield potential.

With water management, fertilisation and systematic crop management, the variety is expected to reach maturity within approximately 105 to 110 days before harvesting.

In addition to serving as a platform for training and skills development, the project also supports national efforts to strengthen local food production and raise awareness of the importance of the agricultural sector in the country’s economic development and overall well-being.

The project’s implementation reflects the belief that every individual has the potential to change and build a better life when given the right opportunities.

Through a combination of education, skills development, practical experience and community support, the Prisons Department and BIBD remain committed to helping inmates turn over a new chapter in their lives as they work towards successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

As a pilot project that brings together rehabilitation, human capital development and national food security, the hybrid paddy plantation project at Maraburong Prison marks a progressive step towards strengthening rehabilitation programmes through skills development with economic value and long-term potential.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/James Kon

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