BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Department of Agriculture and Agrifood introduced a new course called the Vegetable Farmer Field School (VFFS) to help those starting out in the field.

“The VFFS course focuses on effective delivery of information by presenting it in a manner and language that is easily understood.

“It will be done through (hands-on) experience and observation,” said plant and insect researcher Hirman Hj Abu in an interview with The Brunei Times.

“That is what makes this course different from the other courses. It does not rely (solely) on theory, hence it is easily understood by people who have no knowledge of agricultural science.”

Hirman, who is also the head of the vegetables and high technology industry unit, also said that there were plans to extend the course.

“We are planning to extend the course to four months. There will be a five-day intensive course followed by growing chillies to harvest which would take four months.”

“Most of the participants who took part are from Kg Lumapas village consultative council (MPK Kg Lumapas) as they had previously applied to participate in the course.”

Masni Hj Tasim from Mas Irwan Enterprise said the course had helped her understand how to take care of plants properly.

“There are several things my sister and I did not know about, so this course has helped us in many ways.

“We will definitely participate if there is another session. It would be really good if young people participate in these course.”

MPK Kg Lumapas member Hjh Salamah Hj Ahmad said the course gave her the opportunity to learn more about farming.

“As I only know how to manage flower gardens, the course has taught me how to properly handle a vegetable farm. I will slowly start on my vegetable garden soon.”

The first course had 20 participants consisting of 11 members of MPK Kg Lumapas, two from Mas Irwan Enterprise and the rest from officers and staff of the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood.

The course started on March 24 and concluded yesterday with a certificate presentation at Dewan Simpor of Pusat Urusniaga Hortikultur, Rimba.

Present as the guest of honour was Director of Agriculture and Agrifood Hjh Aidah Hj Mohd Hanifah.

The next course will be held in Temburong District, but no specific date was given.

The Brunei Times