Abstract:
As Asian rice demand is projected to increase by 30% in 2010, a sustainable
approach of rice production has become important. In order to fulfill the rice
demand for the growing population and with the target rice self-sufficiency of 65%,
Malaysia has to increase its rice productivity. As the attainment of sustainability in
rice farming is country and area specific, Malaysia has devised its own ways to
achieve this goal within a prescribed time frame. The major problems faced by the
rice sector have been identified and step-by-step solutions are sought through policy
changes. Rice estates in Malaysia have already proven that commercial rice
production is viable, economical and sustainable. FELCRA Seberang Perak, the first
and largest rice estate in Malaysia, has proven the sustainability and viability of
commercial rice farming by achieving a continuous cropping intensity of 200%. The
keywords to sustainable rice production are doubling yields, estatization and private
corporate sector investments. The strategies to be devised must include getting
investments to make the present non-lucrative business a profitable venture, whilst
balancing the country’s social obligation.
