BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) has proposed a budget of B$88.76 million for FY 2026/27. 

Speaking at the Legislative Council, Dato Dr Hj Abd Manaf Hj Metussin said the allocation will focus on three pillars: growing the food industry, boosting tourism, and conserving Brunei’s forests.

Egg production drives export growth

In 2025, food exports hit approximately B$13 million, with the agriculture and agri-food sector seeing a 52% jump in value compared to the previous year.

Animal feed and chicken eggs were the top commodities, making up nearly all agricultural export value. Notably, local farms shipped B$3.3 million worth of eggs to Singapore, while the fisheries sector exported B$5.68 million in goods, led by tuna, shrimp, and selungsong fish.

Modernising infrastructure

A portion of the budget is dedicated to building “plug-and-play” infrastructure. MPRT wants to ensure all farming and fishing zones have reliable electricity, water, and drainage to lower the barrier to entry for new entrepreneurs.

“This infrastructure is a key catalyst to help entrepreneurs start and expand their businesses, strengthening the nation’s food security,” said Dato Dr Hj Abd Manaf. 

By upgrading laboratories and enforcing international safety standards, MPRT is also working to improve the compliance of Brunei-made food so it can easily be exported to global markets.

Green initiatives and sustainability

Dato Dr Hj Abd Manaf shared that sustainability and the “circular economy”—a system where waste is minimised and recycled back into the production loop—are now a key part of Brunei’s agricultural policy.

Key initiatives include:

• Regenerative farming: Using natural compost to restore soil health instead of relying on chemical fertilisers.

• Pesticide-free branding: Positioning Brunei’s produce as a premium, high-quality choice for health-conscious international buyers.

• High-tech fisheries: Implementing Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)—which clean and reuse water in fish tanks—and installing solar panels over fish ponds to generate clean energy.

• Marine protection: Deploying artificial reefs and strictly regulating the catch of egg-bearing shrimp and crabs to prevent overfishing.

By blending modern technology with environmental stewardship, MPRT aims to build a food industry that is not only profitable but preserved for future generations, the minister said.