M'SIA MAY NOT HAVE TO IMPORT RICE BY 2015

M'SIA MAY NOT HAVE TO IMPORT RICE BY 2015


KOTA BAHARU (Malaysia), Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's aim of not having to
import rice by 2015 may be realised when two major rice-growing areas of the
Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada) and Kemubu Agriculture Development
Authority (Kada) can raise production by between five per cent and 10 per cent.

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Deputy Minister Mohd Johari Baharum said
currently, Malaysia was importing 30 per cent of its needs for rice or 700,000
tonnes from other countries annually.

"If we can increase rice production in the two major areas (Mada and Kada),
I am confident we don't need to import rice by 2015," he said at Kada's Meet-the
-Customers Day 2010, here, Monday.

Also present were Kada general manager Ibrahim Mat and member of its Board
of Directors, Dr Illias Hussein.

Mohd Johari said to realise the goal, the ministry was intensifying efforts
to spur agriculture development in the Mada and Kada areas by increasing
allocations for the two areas.

He said the ministry was also preparing a Cabinet paper to be tabled soon on
steps to be taken to overcome the pest problem which could theaten rice
production.

"Under the pest prevention and eradication programme, the government had
allocated RM17 million for the purchase of agriculture input for the two rice
bowls.

"Besides that, the government will open up more areas for mini rice estates
to help farmers earn a lucrative income and avoid the problem of middle-men."

Johari said Kada was able to produce 230,000 tonnes of padi last year and
production was expected to increase to 260,000 tonnes this year.(US$1=RM3.45)
-- BERNAMA