KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) is encouraging padi farmers to increase the cultivation of speciality rice varieties, which have higher commercial value and selling prices compared to standard white rice.
Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said that each year, Malaysia imports over one million metric tons of rice, with nearly 22 per cent comprising speciality varieties like fragrant rice, basmati, and others.
“Increasing both the cultivation area and yield of domestic speciality varieties can help meet local demand, thereby reducing our reliance on imported rice,” he said during a special chambers session of the Dewan Rakyat today.
Arthur was responding to a motion raised by Tenom MP Riduan Rubin on the potential development of the speciality rice industry as a food security measure.
He added that the MAFS is open to reviewing existing legislation if necessary to promote the growth and competitiveness of the speciality rice industry, recognising its potential as an alternative that can diversify rice varieties and boost the income of farmers.
Via the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi), the ministry has conducted studies on consumer preferences for speciality rice varieties developed by the institute, including 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,” Arthur said.
— Bernama
