Merlimau: About 3,000 bags of Beras Melaka will be distributed and sold in the state within two weeks, said state Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh. He stated that a 10-kilogramme bag of Beras Melaka, derived from the MR 297 rice seeds cultivated since last year, would be priced at RM26 per bag. The sales will be managed by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) of Melaka.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the production of this 30 tonnes of white rice involves a 42-hectare paddy field statewide, utilizing locally produced rice seeds. "We are targeting more sales in July, with the production of 200 to 300 tonnes of rice harvested from 1,000 acres of paddy fields," Akmal said at the state-level "Semarak Syawal" Programme at the Merlimau Farmers' Market. The event was also attended by Melaka FAMA director Nor Azhar Abdul Hamid.

Akmal further elaborated that Melaka had successfully produced its own rice seeds for sale to farmers at RM58, with 2,347 bags of rice seeds already produced. This initiative aims to assist farmers in obtaining quality seeds at affordable prices, available directly from the Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK) without middlemen involvement.

He also mentioned that a more systematic paddy and rice production system has been identified, with enhancements made to its implementation mechanism to ensure the produce benefits the local population. "Previously, the rice produced was sent to other states, resulting in us not knowing the actual quantity of production, but this time we have a way to organise it so that we can produce Beras Melaka for Melaka folk," he added.