PENANG’S BERAS CAP FERI TO HIT SHELVES NEXT MONTH - EXCO

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Penang’s Beras Cap Feri will be sold at the Agro MADANI Sales organised by the Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP) starting next month, priced at RM15 for a five-kilogramme (kg) pack.

State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said this selling price is the lowest for imported rice.

He said the sale follows the approval of the operation licence for the Beras Cap Feri mill and wholesale by the Rice and Padi Regulatory Division of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry on Nov 13, after nearly six months of application.

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“The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and LPP will market the rice through the Agro MADANI Sales as well as certified FAMA and Peladang retail outlets,” he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2025 and the motion on Development Estimate 2025 at the state assembly sitting today.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said that Penang Agrotech Sdn Bhd, a state-owned subsidiary, would begin full operations on Jan 1, 2025 and hoped its establishment would help generate new revenue streams for the state.

He said that Penang Agrotech would be responsible for executing and coordinating policies, programmes and activities under the State Agrotechnology and Food Security Committee in collaboration with other departments and agencies.

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In partnership with the State Agriculture Department, researchers and the Fruit Farmers Associations, Penang Agrotech will implement an Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring system in the state’s durian farms to help farmers reduce production costs while increasing the quantity and quality of the fruit.

“The IoT monitoring system has already been deployed at a durian farm in Balik Pulau, with the digital data collected being used to optimise water, fertiliser and pesticide usage,” he said.

Regarding agro-tourism, Fahmi said that the Sedusun Valley project in Relau, initiated by the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), is expected to commence in early 2025, with a total expenditure of RM48 million approved by the federal government.

-- BERNAMA