Mat Sabu: Malaysia needs rice self-sufficiency rate of at least 80pc for secure supply

Malaysia needs to raise its rice self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) to at least 80 percent to ensure a secure food supply, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu stated. The ministry will continue to enhance the country's rice ecosystem and boost domestic rice production to guarantee ample supply, as an SSR rate below 60 percent is insufficient for the nation's food security.

Sabu emphasized the government's efforts to encourage companies and capable parties to expand rice fields with the help of state governments in providing suitable land. The ministry aims to enhance productivity and strengthen the supply chain by leveraging technology, promoting innovation, and opening up more opportunities for value creation across the industry chain.

Despite the agriculture sector's development through the integration of data, technology, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, and entrepreneurship, while also considering environmental sustainability, a diligent and determined approach is essential to achieve the desired productivity increase, Sabu explained. Additionally, the ministry plans to investigate the integration of giant freshwater prawn farming in rice fields to generate two sources of yield from the same agricultural area, noting its potential during a recent visit to a rice field area in China.

While Malaysia benefits from more favorable weather conditions for giant freshwater prawn farming compared to China, the approach has yet to be widely explored in Malaysia, particularly in paddy areas with reliable irrigation systems, allowing for the simultaneous cultivation of rice and giant freshwater prawns.