The rise in price for imported rice in Malaysia saw consumers chasing cheaper locally grown products - but Malaysia isn't producing enough rice to support our local demand. In the village of Long Semadoh in Sarawak though, rice is abundant in both variety and amount - they grow what is known as heirloom rice. Environmental journalism portal Macaranga recently released an in-depth article on this, called "Sowing Seeds of Resilience in Heirloom Rice" which looks at heirloom rice farming in Sarawak, and its contributions to addressing food security concerns and safeguarding heirloom rice varieties. We discuss the history and future of heirloom rice farming in Malaysia, and what steps can be taken to further enhance its contribution to food security and economic development in rural areas with Liani MK (contributing writer, Macaranga), Wong Siew Lyn, (Editor, Macaranga) and Peter Tadam, a tour guide from the farming community of Long Semadoh, Sarawak.

Image Credit: Shutterstock/Abang Faizul

Produced by: Juliet Jacobs

Presented by: Juliet Jacobs

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Categories:  environment

Tags:  rice shortage,  rice cultivation,  macaranga,  heirloom rice,  food security,  mardi,  sustainable farming,