PERLIS wants to produce 384,000 tons of rice by 2025 through the “Ladang Benih Padi” (Rice Seeds Farm) programme,  which is expected to increase rice production in the state.

Perlis Agriculture and Agro-based Committee chairman Nurulhisham Yaakob said through the programme, rice output in the state is expected to increase to eight tons per hectare.

“Currently Perlis is able to produce on the average five to seven tons of rice per hectare, that is enough to meet the demand for rice in the state and for sale to other states,” he said at the Simpang Empat state constituency Aidilfitri celebration event in Arau today.

Also present at the event were Perlis Menteri Besar Azlan Man and other state excutive councillors.

Nurulhisham who is also the Simpang Empat State Assemblyman said that the paddy seed plantation programme, it will be done with the Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan.

Nurulhisham, who is also Simpang Empat assemblyman said the seed plantation programme would only be conducted together with the area’s farmers’ association.

“We have just started to implement the production of rice seeds and will supply them to drying facilities outside Perlis,” he said.

Nurulhisham said if farmers continue to use poor quality seeds, rice production will be reduced and such a situation would not be beneficial.

“Rice from Perlis is different from other areas because it is tastier and not chalky.

“That is why we have to produce our own local seeds that are suitable for the soil in the state,” he added. – Bernama, May 27, 2022.