Sukang residents build quail farm

BELAIT

LONGHOUSE residents in the remote area of Mukim Sukang will set up a government-funded quail farm as another food source to feed their families.

Bang Taong Apak-Apak Longhouse residents yesterday installed wooden logs to build a quail farm at Sukang in interior Belait yesterday.

In an interview with The Brunei Times, Acting Head of Bang Taong Longhouse Rantai Anak Jawa said the quail farm continued the residents’ tradition of practising subsistence agriculture.

He said the longhouse residents have a history of growing or farming food to feed themselves and their neighbours.

“We have fish farms, planted some fruits, vegetables to provide for ourselves and traditional handicrafts that we sell off,” Rantai said.

Mukim Sukang is known to be a producer of quality handicrafts under the One Village, One Product programme.

“Now burung puyuh (quail) is our next target, and we hope it will provide more variety for the longhouse people,” the 52-year-old added.

However, he said there was less demand for quail meat among residents, but more on quail eggs production.

Another longhouse resident, Lingih Anak Mangau, said about 2,000 quails were expected to be brought to the farm.

The 65-year-old said the project would be funded by the Belait District Office.

Rantai further said it takes longhouse residents at least 30 minutes to get their groceries at the nearest supermarket.

“For supplies, we constantly purchase our groceries in bulk so they may last longer,” he said.

For Rantai, who previously worked as a forest ranger for 10 years, this would be the first time his residents are venturing into the poultry industry.

Despite the lack of experience, Rantai expressed confidence with the project because of the government’s continuous support.

“In our previous project, we received assistance to construct gates to our fish ponds,” he said.

“This time, the wooden logs, used to hold up the quail ranch, are also provided by His Majesty’s Government, so we are grateful and their belief in our projects gives us an incentive to complete this project,” Rantai said.

Belait District Officer Hj Haris Othman was also present to help with the installing of logs for the farm yesterday.

“The service that we have provided so far (the water tanks and wooden logs) shows the kindness and duty of His Majesty to his people who reside even at the most remote areas of Belait,” Hj Haris said.

The Brunei Times