MAFI to develop more fragrant rice varieties

PASIR PUTEH, April 5 -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) is planning to develop more varieties of local fragrant rice by getting related agencies to produce new and better quality paddy seeds in an effort to raise farmers’ income.

Deputy Minister II Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi said among the agencies involved is the Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (MARDI), to ensure rice self-sufficiency can reach up to 75 per cent as highlighted in the 12th Malaysia Plan.

"The government is ready to help increase the production of local fragrant rice by distributing various subsidies and intensives, as enjoyed by other farmers nationwide," he told reporters after launching a new brand of fragrant rice produced by local farmers at the Padi Jelapang Timur Enterprise Purchasing Centre, Banir Belikong, here, today.

Commenting further, Che Abdullah said consumers prior to this only recognised fragrant rice imported from neighbouring countries.

He said users should try local products that are equal in terms of quality and supported by health-related research.

He said the ministry is planning to expand the cultivation of fragrant paddy, involving the Muda Agriculture Development Authority (MADA), Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) and Integrated Agricultural Development Areas (IADA) schemes. 

"As of now, estimated (value) of fragrant rice imported is 40 per cent from the overall total of imported rice, and MAFI encourages local farmers to plant fragrant rice that is high in quality to meet domestic needs.

"Nowadays, the fragrant paddy seed variety that receives good response among farmers is the MRQ 76, which is capable of producing five tonnes per hectare, with paddy purchasing price at RM1,500 per tonne," he added.

Meanwhile, Che Abdullah said the Kelantan government's proposal to increase fragrant rice production through its subsidiary company Kumpulan Pertanian Kelantan Berhad (KPKB), with collaboration from the Mihoda group from Kedah, is receiving an encouraging response.

"The launch of the Kelantan fragrant rice today, which is named Beras Sida Wangi, is an effort to elevate fragrant rice as a premium product icon for the state," he said.

-- BERNAMA