March 18, 2025

Brunei achieves self-sufficiency in chicken eggs and meat, targets further progress in food sector

Brunei has reached self-sufficiency in both chicken eggs and chicken meat, with figures of 103% and 100% respectively.

In addition, the country has seen progress in other key agricultural sectors. The self-sufficiency in beef meat is at 2.3%, and in fish, it is around 74%.

The achievements in these sectors, which have contributed significantly to the country's gross domestic product, were highlighted by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, during the country's 21st Legislative Council meeting. He noted the progress made from 2022 to 2024 in the self-sufficiency of the six main commodities.

During his address, the minister explained that developing the food industry, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and agrifood sectors, requires a collaborative approach. This involves close cooperation between the government and the private sector.

He emphasised that these efforts are part of the Food Industry Roadmap, which serves as a strategic guide for driving growth and boosting revenues in the food sector, particularly through increased manufacturing and productivity in the primary industry, as well as processing and value addition.

The minister also reported that the average output of the food sector, including agriculture and fisheries, has increased by around 41% over the last three years. In monetary terms, this growth has seen output rise from BND 525 million (US$392 million) in 2017 to BND 742 million (US$555 million) annually.

Addressing concerns about the lack of progress in self-sufficiency in paddy, the minister noted that the figure had risen from 4.8% in 2017 to an average of 8% for 2022 to 2024. He expressed confidence that the target of 12% could be achieved in the coming years with continued commitment from the ministry, entrepreneurs, and farmers.

The minister acknowledged the significant challenges faced in strengthening the country's food security, including issues such as acidic and limited land, unpredictable weather, diseases, and challenges in the food sector's value chain ecosystem. He stressed that achieving self-sufficiency cannot be realised overnight and requires a strategic and continuous approach to address these factors in a sustainable manner.

- Borneo Bulletin