Brunei Ministry Launches Youth Agripreneur Project to Boost Agriculture and Fisheries Sectors
Bandar Seri Begawan, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism in Brunei continues its efforts to attract youth participation in the agriculture and fisheries sectors through several innovative programmes, including the Youth Agripreneur Project. This new initiative, launched in collaboration with local financial institutions and the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), aims to empower young farmers by providing financial support to ensure the sustainability of their enterprises. The project is expected to be officially launched by mid-year.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, announced the initiative at the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday. He emphasized that the project reflects the government’s commitment to fostering youth involvement in agriculture and fisheries while ensuring the long-term viability of their enterprises.
The minister also highlighted other youth-focused initiatives, including an agricultural technology exposure programme that has successfully conducted nine series of activities involving 166 youth participants. Additionally, a pilot project offering small-scale trials has engaged 44 young entrepreneurs, including five involved in the fisheries sector. Sixteen participants from the pilot project have since been offered additional agricultural sites, while one youth entrepreneur has secured a site in the fishing industry.
Furthermore, the Youth Paddy Farming Programme, conducted in collaboration with the Youth Development Centre at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, encourages youth involvement in paddy farming. Currently, five young farmers are actively cultivating 10 hectares in the Wasan Agricultural Development Area, while one is farming five hectares in the Bebuloh Agricultural Development Area.
Minister Abdul Manaf also acknowledged the challenges faced by Rural Agriculture Development Areas, noting that some allocated lands remain underutilized. He affirmed that the ministry is reassessing the initiative to ensure it meets its intended goals.
In support of agri-food enterprises, the ministry, in collaboration with BEDB, has introduced the Capacity Enhancement Programme aimed at facilitating the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the food sector. The programme has enabled four home-based companies out of 14 participants to transition to more suitable and standardized premises.
The minister also expressed appreciation for LegCo member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee’s proposal to support local graduates in food science, nutrition, and research and development related to food processing and packaging technology innovation.
To further bolster agricultural and fisheries production, the ministry advocates the adoption of advanced, affordable technologies to meet local demand and expand into export markets. Notable technologies include aquaponics for vegetable cultivation, solar energy utilization, drip irrigation, vertical farming, and drone technology for pesticide application and field monitoring. Additionally, modern practices such as recirculating aquaculture systems for fish and shrimp farming and Internet of Things (IoT) systems for water quality monitoring are being promoted.
Minister Abdul Manaf also emphasized the importance of attracting foreign direct investment and establishing joint ventures in agriculture and fisheries. Currently, 17 foreign and joint venture companies are actively participating in these sectors, contributing to Brunei’s economic development.
