"Singkirkan segala banjir besar yang boleh melimpahi padiku. Singkirkan kemarau panjang yang mengeringkan tanah bendangku. Jauhkanlah segala malapetaka yang menghalang kami. Jauhkan segala ketam-ketam putih yang mematahkan anak padi kami selama ini. Jauhkan segala ribut taufan."
Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan (1966) – Shahnon Ahmad
Rice is a staple food for Malaysia and a defining feature of our culture and identity. Malaysians consume the grain daily as nasi lemak, bihun goreng, laksa, thosai, kuih apam and lepat pisang to name a few. Therefore, it is not surprising that in 2016, we consumed 80 kilograms of rice per person.
In “The Status of the Paddy and Rice Industry”, Khazanah Research Institute examined the industry’s whole supply chain, and at each segment (input, farming, midstream & import and consumption). We studied the history and statistical trends of the industry, engaged with key stakeholders, identified challenges and where appropriate, provided suggestions in charting a way forward for the industry.