Malaysia to Double Rice Yields

The Government will double the country's rice yield by 2020 in preparation for a possible global food crisis. Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar said domestic rice yield has to be increased to eight metric tonnes per hectare from the present four metric tonnes per hectare for the country to be self-sufficient.

"We are currently producing enough rice to sustain 70% of the country's consumption, while 30% is imported. "By 2020, we hope to produce enough to sustain 80%, with only 20% imported. This is to ensure the country's food security," Noh told reporters after opening the 8th Malaysian International Agro-Bio Business Conference. This event was held simultaneously with the 13^th Malaysia International Food and Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB) 2012 at PWTC. 

Noh said the National Agro-Food Policy, which was launched by the Prime Minister in January, was put in place to tackle national food security issues. "This policy will ensure that there is sufficient food stock, which is also safe for consumption. "My ministry has lined up specific strategies to achieve the policy's objectives, including developing the agro-food industry which focuses on areas related to rice, fishery, livestock, and horticulture," he said.

The article is available at  http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/7/13/nation/11657243&sec=nation.