KPKM ENCOURAGES PADI FARMERS TO INCREASE CULTIVATION OF SPECIAL RICE VARIETIES

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) is encouraging padi farmers to increase the cultivation of specialty rice varieties, which have higher commercial value and selling prices compared to standard white rice.

Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup noted that each year, Malaysia imports over one million metric tons of rice, with nearly 22 percent comprising specialty varieties like fragrant rice, basmati, and others.

“Increasing both the cultivation area and yield of domestic specialty varieties can help meet local demand, thereby reducing our reliance on imported rice,” he said in a special chambers session of the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a motion raised by Riduan Rubin (Independent-Tenom) on the potential development of the specialty rice industry as a food security measure.

Arthur added that the ministry is open to reviewing existing legislation if necessary to promote the growth and competitiveness of the specialty rice industry, recognising its potential as an alternative that can diversify rice varieties and boost the income of farmers. 

He added that KPKM, through the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), has conducted studies on consumer preferences for specialty rice varieties developed by the institute, such as parboiled rice, coloured rice, and fragrant rice.

“MARDI’s research on parboiled rice indicates that consumers tend to prefer it for its fluffier texture and aroma compared to other parboiled varieties in the market. This has also been acknowledged by the industry, with rice millers noting that MARDI’s parboiled rice has a more distinct aroma,” he said.

-- BERNAMA