Several padi-growing areas outside the jurisdiction of the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority in Kelantan are being upgraded to increase local rice production. The State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Biotechnology, Green Technology and Environment Committee chairman, Tuan Mohd Saripudin Tuan Ismail, mentioned that one of the areas being developed for this purpose is approximately 121 hectares in Machang.
Tuan Mohd Saripudin stated that there is currently no rice supply problem in Kelantan because of the large area of padi fields present, which is capable of meeting the people’s needs in the state. He added that the Authority manages about 26,000 hectares of padi-farming areas and is expanding these areas by having a two-season crop per year to fulfill the country’s demand for local rice. These statements were given to Bernama during the opening of the Kelantan State Flora Festival.
The Kelantan State Flora Festival was held at Taman Perbandaran Tengku Anis and was graced by the Sultanah of Kelantan, Nur Diana Petra Abdullah. Tuan Mohd Saripudin mentioned that Kelantan’s self-sufficiency level in terms of padi production exceeded 200 percent last year and is projected to be similar this year, assuring an adequate rice supply for the Kelantanese.
Tuan Mohd Saripudin also commented on the positive response to the Flora Festival, suggesting that it may become an annual event. The festival, featuring various events showcasing the uniqueness of the state’s flora and culture, was last held in 2012. It spanned five days and commenced on October 4 in conjunction with the birthday of the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V.
– Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
