Jabu (centre) making a stop at a booth that displays handicraft items made by the Penans of Long Rayeh, during his round at the carnival.

LIMBANG: The state government will undertake in-depth studies on soil suitability, including the proposal of double-cropping, towards the aim of making Limbang the ‘rice bowl’ of the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu said experts from the Agriculture Department would be helping in realising this verdant dream of local leaders and communities.

He said this when officiating at the opening of the ‘Agriculture Produce and Agro-based Products Carnival’ here yesterday.

“If studies show that the soil is feasible for paddy planting, then Limbang would have the potential to be the ‘rice bowl’ of this state,” Jabu – who is Modernisation of Agriculture Minister – said.

The state has undertaken a pilot project on food security through major rice plantation in Sri Aman, while the focus on buffalo-rearing would continue for Limbang and Lawas under the 11th Malaysia Plan.

“This is because both districts (Limbang and Lawas) have the strategic advantage of being next to Brunei,” Jabu said.

The Limbang river basin has been the main producer of buffaloes in the district, particularly in the Batu Danau belt bordering the Brunei mainland.

At the function, Jabu also announced an allocation of RM20,000 to the organising committee of the carnival, which is aimed at stimulating local agro-based economy and generating spin-offs here.