SERDANG: Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) is focused on educating the public, including the younger generation, about the evolution of rice and padi at the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2024.
At Laman Padi, Bernas chairman Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said visitors can learn about the entire process, from planting and processing, to how rice becomes a staple food.
"This year, our focus is on education, especially for the younger generation.
"It is crucial that they understand the evolution of rice, from how padi is planted and processed to its key role in ensuring food security in Malaysia.
"This time, we are also showcasing local varieties of rice in addition to the modern ones, including padi pulut, which is also being cultivated at Laman Padi.
"Some people have never seen how rice is grown. So, we invite you to visit the Laman Padi to see how padi is cultivated, from the soil to the final processed grain," she said after an exclusive Nasi Goreng Dabai demonstration here yesterday.
Padi and Rice Regulatory Division director-general Datuk Azman Mahmood also took part in the demonstration, held in collaboration with Kedey Kamek.
Notable features in Laman Padi include the Large Scale Smart Padi Field programme, spanning over 1,881 hectares in 10 states.
The initiative empowers farmers with cutting-edge mechanisation technology, showcasing Malaysia's industrial progress and Bernas' leadership in driving the sector forward.
Besides educational exhibits, an array of engaging activities and contests will be available to visitors, providing unique insights into Bernas' impact on the padi industry. Through this event, Azman said, the ministry wanted future generations to understand that rice originates from padi seedlings.
For the past four months, leading up to MAHA, he said, the ministry had been preparing to show the public the best padi yields from Sekinchan.
"We have white rice, fragrant rice and Langkawi glutinous rice, all cultivated on a large scale by Bernas, and featured at Laman Padi. We are also giving visitors the opportunity to try planting padi.
"We want future generations to understand that rice comes from padi seedlings."