rice self-sufficiency in Malaysia

 https://sg.news.yahoo.com/indias-rice-export-ban-can-malaysia-consider-holistic-food-security-solutions-white-rice-alternatives-233013997.html

Rice is a staple that Malaysians can't get enough of. Yet, supply shortages and exorbitant prices have recently caused much distress.

For context, Malaysia is a rice producer, recording local production figures of 1.68 million tonnes in 2021 and 1.57 million tonnes in 2022. Also, the country has been importing about 30 per cent of its rice consumption annually for the last three decades.

 Anni Mitin, vice president of the Malaysian Agroecology Society for Sustainable Resource Intensification (SRI-Mas), warns that proper plans need to be mapped out beforehand if Malaysia is really serious about cultivating the rice.

For the record, the government is targeting to hit 75 percent by 2025 under the 11th Malaysia Plan and 80 percent self-sufficiency under the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030. The ultimate goal should be full self-reliance.

That said, there are also other rice variants that could be looked into and developed, such as heirloom rice.

This is a special kind of indigenous rice that has over 300 varieties and is currently being cultivated in Sabah and Sarawak. It has been turning the heads of chefs, health enthusiasts and farmers due to its chewy texture and nutritional value.

To be clear, alongside India, Malaysia also imports rice from Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam.

It is important to note that the dietary habits of Malaysians have changed over the years, with the consumption of rice per capita actually declining significantly since the 1970s; from approximately 120kg to 77kg last year.

Muneeb believes that the government should look at comprehensive solutions that seek to maximise existing spaces.

"We need to make edible landscapes rather than just beautiful ones. We also have to increase biodiversity and (possibly) change the types of food we consume and go back to our local heritage," he adds.

Hence, Muneeb’s point about the need to possibly develop other foods, beyond just rice, is valid. 

Besides importing rice, the government should think of investing in rice fields in other countries, besides banning exporting in certain countries due to low production, climate change and political conflict may cause a shortage of it.