Pahang launches Malaysia's first prebiotic rice

New Straits Times

2 days ago

TEMERLOH: The Pahang government's years of effort to produce locally grown rice have borne fruit with the launch of Beras Pahang (Pahang Rice), which the state bills as Malaysia's first prebiotic rice.
Beras Pahang is sourced from farmers in Paya Telok Ganchong, Pekan, and milled in Leban Chondong, Rompin
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said Beras Pahang will benefit state residents, and, as output grows, other states as well.
"The production of Beras Pahang demonstrates the state government's commitment to boosting padi yields for food security.
"The state markets it as the country's first prebiotic rice. It is grown and harvested in Ganchong, Pekan.
"Pahang now produces its own rice, and we'll prioritise selling it to people in the state.
"Only 1kg packs are available now, with 5kg and 10kg packs expected next month."
He said this after opening the Pahang Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (Maha), also known as mini-MAHA Pahang, at Dataran Temerloh here today.
Earlier, he launched the Beras Pahang brand alongside Pahang Best products at the four-day exhibition, which ends on Aug 17.
He said Beras Pahang will be marketed to other states once production capacity is increased.
The MR269 padi seed variety grown in Ganchong for Beras Pahang was developed by Mardi.
The programme involves collaboration with researchers from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah in Pekan
Its packaging features an elephant motif, a symbol associated with Pahang.
State officials call Beras Pahang a milestone for the state.
Pekan and Rompin are Pahang's main padi areas, though yields have lagged behind major rice bowls such as Kedah.