PENANG ADVANCES RATOON RICE TECHNOLOGY, PILOT PROJECT UNDERWAY

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The state government will enter into a strategic cooperation with Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU), China, to develop ratoon rice technology, which allows two harvests from a single planting.

State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said that technical discussions are being finalised among the State Agriculture Department, the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), and FAFU to ensure readiness to implement the technology.

He said a pilot ratoon rice project is underway at the eight-hectare Bukit Merah Rice Station using the MR297 variety, adding that field operations, including ploughing, bund clearing, pest control, soil preparation, and seed sowing, are being carried out according to scientific methodology.

“The ratoon method has been proven to reduce operational costs, as farmers do not need to replant each season and the rice regrows from existing stubble. It helps save on seed, planting labour, manpower, and land preparation costs.

“Ratoon rice has the potential to increase farmers’ income, as it allows for multiple harvests without a significant rise in costs,” he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill and the Development Estimates Motion 2026 (the state’s 2026 Budget) at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.

Fahmi elaborated that the method supports sustainable agriculture by optimising land use, maintaining soil fertility, reducing erosion and minimising the use of chemicals.

--BERNAMA