Bario rice gets GI certification

KUCHING: Sarawak’s Bario rice, grown in the Kelabit Highlands, is now recognised and protected as a brand name unique to the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said Bario rice was granted geographical indication (GI) certification by the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia in March.

This meant that the “Bario rice” brand name was protected and could not be used for similar rice planted outside Sarawak, he said.

(GI protection applies to products which originate from specific geographical locations and possess consistent quality, authenticity and reputation.)

With the certification, Dr Chan said Bario rice could be marketed as a niche product grown only in the high altitude and cool, natural environment of the Kelabit Highlands.

“We are also trying to go organic with it. Bario rice can go organic easily because it is naturally farmed with no machinery and very little insecticide or fertiliser,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Dr Chan said several farmers had already started the organic planting of Bario rice with the first harvest expected early next year.