Brunei Darussalam

Potato farming in Brunei is primarily concentrated in the Belait, Tutong, and Temburong districts, where farmers grow varieties such as Russet Burbank, Kennebec, and Shepody. These varieties are favored for their ability to thrive under local conditions, especially when planted during the cooler months from December to February to mitigate the effects of the tropical climate. The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism drives research and development efforts through the Brunei Potato Research and Development Program, focusing on breeding high-yielding, pest-resistant potato varieties tailored to Brunei’s environment. Alongside varietal improvement, sustainable farming practices—including precision agriculture, integrated pest management, and drip irrigation—are actively promoted to enhance productivity and environmental sustainability.

Potato cultivation in Brunei Darussalam began during the early 20th century under British colonial influence but remained limited until the 1970s when it started gaining traction primarily for local consumption; despite challenges posed by Brunei’s hot and humid climate, farmers adapted by focusing on cooler months for planting and the government later supported the sector through initiatives promoting local seed potato production and sustainable farming practices, positioning potatoes as an important crop for food security and agricultural development in the country.