Nafas Pledges To Assist Govt In Addressing Local White Rice Supply

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- The National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS), through its nationwide supply chain, is committed to assisting the government in addressing the shortage of local white rice (BPT) in the market.

NAFAS Board of Directors chairman, Datuk Zamri Yaakob, said the agency plays a pivotal role as both a producer and supplier of the country's fertiliser needs and is capable of engaging directly with the national rice supply chain through the government's subsidy programme, benefiting nearly 200,000 farmers.

“Working closely with 14 state Farmers' Organisations (PPN) and 280 Area Farmers' Organisations (PPK) across Malaysia allows us to help produce and distribute local rice using existing facilities like rice mills, purchasing centres and licenced wholesalers," he said in a statement today.

Zamri said the agency's supply chain can guarantee the availability of BPT and also ensure that rice is offered at a reasonable price, thus helping to manage the cost of living within the rice industry.

 "By implementing this strategy, it can directly improve food security, reduce the risk of future rice crises and achieve the goal of reduced dependence on rice," he said.

  According to Zamri, NAFAS' commitment is also among the important efforts to ensure food security in the country.

He said NAFAS is also committed to collaborating with agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to refine long-term action plans, ensuring the sustainability of the rice industry, safeguarding the interests and welfare of farmers and enhancing the productivity of national rice production.

 -- BERNAMA