KADA Targets Zero Rice Imports Via ECER By 2015

KADA Targets Zero Rice Imports Via ECER By 2015

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) has initiated plans to eliminate the need to import rice by 2015 by earmarking a 'rice bowl' in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

It has set aside RM63.8 million to subsidise compound fertilsers, level land and enhance agriculture infrastructures which includes irrigation system and machinery.

Currently, Malaysia produces 7.6 million tonnes of rice, enough to meet 72 per cent of the local demand, it said in a statement today.

"Various measures and initiatives have been taken by KADA to lessen the nation's dependence on rice imports from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar and hence reduce rice imports to zero by 2015," said KADA general manager Ibrahim Mat.

KADA, an agency entrusted by the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry to raise the socio-economic welfare of local farmers, is charged with paddy production in 37,000 hectares of land in Kelantan.

This covers the ECER land in northern Kelantan which includes Bachok, Kota Baharu, Pasir Puteh, Tumpat and Pasir Mas, with more than 8,000 farmers in the five districts.

Asia is gripped by the soaring price of rice and a shortage of domestic supply. This has forced major rice-exporting countries in the region, including Vietnam, Cambodia and India, to introduce curbs on overseas sales recently.

Malaysia is also affected as it has to import from countries such as Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Experts believe the only way to ensure food security is to raise the local rice production.

Ibrahim said the fastest way to self-sufficiency is to follow the example set by farmers in Sekinchan, Selangor.

Sekinchan, dubbed the 'rice bowl' of Selangor, is renowned for producing up to 10 tonnes per hectare, the highest yields in the nation.

Generally, paddy yields in KADA are low, averaging 3.16 tonnes per hectare in 2005.

He said KADA sees no reason why Kelantan farmers cannot do the same since they use certified seeds such as the MR219 and MR220 approved by the government.

He said it is also a good time to boost local production as consumers are opting for cheaper local rice compared with costlier imports.

Under the ECER master plan, strategic initiatives for developing the rice industry cluster include improving water supply for irrigation, increasing yields and productivity, encouraging private sector participation in paddy cultivation and promoting industrial parks in the granary areas.

In 2005, Malaysia used a total area of 451,715 hectares to cultivate rice, of which 95,850 hectares or 21 per cent were in the ECER.

The ministry has allocated RM923 million this year to help paddy farmers increase production.

Bernama