Penang: Penang is poised to become a pioneering state in Malaysia for ratoon rice planting, a method allowing rice farmers to harvest a second crop without the need for replanting. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the state's readiness to embrace this innovative agricultural approach during a recent event.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the state government has already submitted a proposal to the Malaysian Agriculture Research Development Institute (MARDI) to explore this technology collaboratively. Chow highlighted that Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperatives Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol has visited a major agricultural research institute in Fujian province, China, to learn about the rice planting technology. This method promises to replace the traditional single-planting, single-harvest approach with a more efficient and sustainable system.

Chow mentioned that the ratoon rice method allows for a second crop to mature within just 70 days. This advancement could significantly increase rice production and enhance farmers' incomes. If the pilot project proves successful, it could enable up to four rice harvests annually from two planting cycles.

Fahmi Zainol emphasized the importance of adopting innovative rice production methods, considering rice's status as a staple food. He has also requested funding from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to improve the paddy crop infrastructure and irrigation systems in Penang.

Furthermore, MARDI has conducted studies and agreed that the ratoon rice method is viable, with Penang offering to host a pilot project. If successful, this model could be implemented nationwide. MARDI is also coordinating with Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU) to plant ratoon rice in MARDI's Pinang Tunggal areas in the upcoming paddy season.