ALOR STAR: Kedah Regional Development Authority (Keda) plans to develop areas outside the Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada) into a fragrant rice and 'padi huma' (hill padi) cultivation hub.

Keda chairman Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom today said the project was aligned with Keda's efforts to rehabilitate and upgrade 400ha this year after receiving an allocation of RM1.25 million.

He said the project was part of the government's effort to diversify alternative food sources, ensuring food security and supplementing local white rice production.

"The proposed pilot project covering 34.57ha for fragrant rice cultivation in Kampung Weng Dalam near Baling is expected to start in September or October.

"Keda is identifying mentors to guide participants in this project.

"Keda also aims to promote hill padi cultivation.

"We are seeking participants, areas for development and experienced strategic partners."

He said this at the Keda Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house here.

Present were Keda chief executive officer Ismasuhaimi Shariff and deputy chief executive officer (operations) Khairul Azmeer Abu Bakar.

Jamil said the development of the fragrant rice and hill padi cultivation project aimed to complement local white rice production in Kedah.

"Keda is responsible for developing idle land outside Mada areas.

"So we are proposing implementation in three districts - Baling, Sik and Padang Terap - which fall outside Mada's jurisdiction.

"This project will introduce additional rice varieties to the market.

"Hopefully, our branded products will gain traction, and Keda's fragrant rice will become synonymous with the people of this state."

He said the project could increase farmers' income as the price of fragrant rice was higher than that of local white rice.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1043708/keda-plants-develop-areas-outside-mada-fragrant-rice-and-hill-padi