Published: Saturday February 14, 2009 MYT 1:43:00 PM
Updated: Saturday February 14, 2009 MYT 4:08:11 PM
Rice self sufficiency target for next year is 86%
By SHARON LING
KUCHING: Rice production in Malaysia is targeted to reach a self-sufficiency level of 86% next year under the National Food Security Policy.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Rohani Karim said the ministry had been allocated RM3bil to implement the policy by increasing the production of rice.
Malaysia’s rice self-sufficiency level was 73% last year.
”We have set a modest target of 86% because we cannot achieve 100% self-sufficiency straightaway.
“At least 86% is attainable, then we will set another target of 100% in the future,” she said when opening the 14th annual conference of the Malaysian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (Mancid) on Saturday.
Rohani, who was representing Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, said it was important to increase the self-sufficiency level as Malaysia still needed to import some 657,900 tonnes of rice.
”To help increase rice production, the ministry’s agricultural irrigation and drainage division will work together with the Drainage and Irrigation Department to carry out infrastructure maintenance and development works in rice-growing areas throughout the country, which cover some 426,260ha,” she said.
She said other measures to maintain food security included encouraging the private sector to invest in agriculture and increasing local food production.
”This is important to ensure a sufficient supply of local agricultural produce and food products which are affordable for Malaysian consumers,” she added.
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