By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
SUNGAI SIPUT – The Perak state government is taking proactive steps to increase the rice cultivation areas to ensure an adequate supply of rice in the state.
Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, the Chief Minister of Perak, announced that this initiative is of paramount importance and has been inspired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s recommendation to ensure an adequate supply of rice in the country.
At present, the state of Perak has two primary rice cultivation areas, namely in Kerian and Seberang Perak, with rice production occurring five times within a two-year period.
“While the current rice supply in Perak meets the state’s requirements, the expansion of rice cultivation areas is necessary to provide opportunities for other states.
“This initiative encompasses the adoption of modern technology and an increase in the number of rice planting cycles. These measures are being implemented to ensure a sufficient supply of locally-produced rice,” He said during a press conference after the conclusion of the Perak Agrofest 2023 at the Infoternak Farm in Sungai Siput (U) recently.
In addition, Datuk Seri Saarani also called on rice traders to treat consumers fairly by refraining from mixing locally-produced rice with imported rice.
He emphasized that such actions have driven up the prices of locally-produced rice due to its limited availability.
