Sarawak to improve quality of rice varieties

State Food Industry, Commodity And Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Sr Stephen Rundi showing his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Tuesday (Nov 28). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

KUCHING: Sarawak is taking steps to improve the quality of traditional or heirloom rice varieties, which fetch better prices locally and internationally, says Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi.

The state Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister said these varieties could be sold at prices based on market demand, hence contributing to a higher income for farmers, as they were not subject to the Paddy and Rice Act.