BRUNEI Darussalam and its Japanese counterpart have conducted a survey on acid sulfate soils in the Sultanate and it has resulted preliminary findings in a form of report.

The survey, which began on February 15 this year, was a further collaborative effort of the Mitsubishi Corporation and the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR), following the execution of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by both parties on September 20, 2011.

The MoU set out the objectives and implementation details of further collaboration projects aimed at increasing crop production and improvement of farm management.

In an opening ceremony of a seminar titled "Acid sulfate soils in rice production for Brunei Darussalam" held at Dewan Simpur, Rimba Horticulture Business Centre, the preliminary findings was presented to Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar from General Manager of Mitsubishi Corporation Brunei Liaison Office Osamu Ito.

"It is hoped that the survey findings will contribute to a solution for acid sulfate soils problem and to help improve crop production in Brunei," said Osamu in his remarks.

He explained that the survey results will then be taken back to Japan for a detailed study and further analysis.

"A final report with a full evaluation of our findings will be submitted to the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood in a couple of months," he added.

He went on to say that the existence of potential acid sulfate soils in the low land areas present a serious challenge for agricultural development and rice cultivation in Brunei. The problem, which exists in many of the country's rice growing areas, seriously affects crop performance and productivity, he said.

"Acid sulfate soils can also contaminate the water supply and damage aquatic flora and fauna."

The survey was conducted by a team comprising of three Japanese experts and 12 staff members of the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood.

Mitsubishi has conducted a number of field surveys and soil investigations in Temburong, Tutong and Brunei-Muara. Through experimental cultivation techniques in the designated areas, it is hoped that it could develop the better cultivation and fertiliser application methods there, he said. The preliminary findings show that with appropriate fertilisation and cultivation techniques, Brunei's rice crops have the potential to yield three to four times the current average, he said."Based on the MoU, we, Mitsubishi intend to continue the dialogue with Department of Agriculture and Agrifood to make our agricultural improvement and extension activities and programmes more meaningful and effective. Through our activities and programmes, we will continue our efforts to contribute to food security and sustainable development of Brunei Darussalam," said Osamu. Sally Piri

The Brunei Times