Bernama.com (Malaysian National News Agency), October 08, 2006 19:04 PM

Rice-Based Cosmetics In The Making

By Rajen M

ALOR STAR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Paddy from the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) farming areas in Kedah will not only be a source for food but in future be also used as a main ingredient in cosmetic products.

Kedah Besar Kedah Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said that MADA had agreed to a proposal by a company to embark on a joint-venture to produce rice-based cosmetic products.

Mahdzir, who is also MADA Chairman, however, did not elaborate on the plan but said that many quarters were keen to work with MADA to produce them.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the MADA Board of Directors meeting at Ampang Jajar here Sunday, Mahdzir said MADA also intended to diversify crop farming so that areas not suitable for paddy like at Tobiar, near here, could be planted with mango trees instead.

MADA was also keen to be a producer of traditional delicacies and paddy-based organic fertilisers, he said.

Mahdzir also said that MADA, which currently contributed about 40 per cent of the country's rice production, would work with Syarikat Padiberas Nasional (Bernas) to produce high quality paddy seedlings.

He added that steps were also being taken to increase the number of farmers able to produce at least 10 metric tonnes paddy per hectare.

"Presently we have about 10,000 of them and target to increase the number to 32,000 by 2010," he added.

-- BERNAMA