If you read today's papers, you'll come across many articles and coverage with regards to the "Laila Rice". His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam once addressed in His Titah on self-sufficiency of rice production to battle the food crisis a few months back. Yesterday, a sign of progress was evident as His Majesty officiated the launch of the "Padi Planting Towards Achieving Self-Sufficiency of Rice Production n Brunei Darussalam" ceremony which took place at Wasan Padi fields.

It was a good sight to see His Majesty accompanied by his sons, planting rice seedlings bare-handed. This really shows the dedication of His Majesty to achieve the goal of self-sufficiency. Also present was the Philippines' Agriculture Secretary, Arthur Cua Yap, who is in the country, to help Brunei with its expertise in rice production ad anti-erosion methods.

 

Images taken from Infofoto gallery. To view more pictures, click here

MIPR has conducted studies on increasing the nation's rice production and through the Department of Agriculture the ministry has targeted to increase the production from 3.12 per cent in self-sufficiency (982.9 metric tonnes per year) in 2007 to 20 per cent self-sufficiency, which is 6,000 metric tonnes a year by year 2010 through the implementation of a short term plan.

A MoU was signed recently between MIPR and Philippines' Department of Agriculture with regards to implementing erosion control system using coconut fibre nets.

Anyway, it was such a pity I wasn't there myself to witness the spectacle. It would have been one of the highlights in terms of coverage for RA. But I'm happy that the media and the newspaper did a great job in highlighting a historic moment for Bruneians. The action by His Majesty will remain one of the best moments for the people and let's pray together that His Majesty's vision of food security for the nation can be achieved.

 

Images courtesy of KK.