Transportation haunts rice farmers of Bario

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Ahmad Shabery (sixth right), Jabu (seventh right) and representatives from Bario Ceria pose for a photocall in front of the rice mill recently.

Ahmad Shabery (sixth right), Jabu (seventh right) and representatives from Bario Ceria pose for a photocall in front of the rice mill recently.

Ahmad Shabery shows the special packaging of Bario Rice produced by Bario Ceria.

Ahmad Shabery shows the special packaging of Bario Rice produced by Bario Ceria.

Ahmad Shabery listens to explanation on the processing of Bario Rice by representatives of Bario Ceria.

Ahmad Shabery listens to explanation on the processing of Bario Rice by representatives of Bario Ceria.

Matius Litah

Matius Litah

Malik Bala

Malik Bala

BARIO: People may appreciate Bario Rice for its distinctive taste, but not everyone has the opportunity to sample this premium produce that originates from the northeast part of Sarawak due to its exclusivity and (high) price.

Even though it has become easier to find Bario Rice in big supermarket chains, supply is limited because farmers only grow it once a year using the traditional methods.

The weather and terrains in Bario are contributing factors that help to ensure that Bario Rice is unique, and according to Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, this had resulted in the setting of its own standards in terms of taste and aroma which set it apart from other rice.

“Bario Rice is considered a special crop because it is grown in the highlands that allow the paddy fields to be submerged in clean spring water, making it a natural product that has become an attraction to everyone, including foreigners.

“The price is definitely different compared to other rice products as it is usually sold at a price three times higher. At supermarkets in Kuala Lumpur Bario Rice is sold as high as RM25 per kg, compared to 10kg of normal rice,” he said when met during a visit to the Bario Ceria rice mill here recently. Also present was Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.

Ahmad Shabery said the problems faced by rice farmers in Bario included transportation which has become an obstacle to ensure the sustainability of their businesses.

“The supply of fertilizers is also a major obstacle to the rice farmers in Bario but we will continue to support them especially in terms of bringing the fertilizers here. Previously, the fertilizers were only supplied by Baram Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK).

“Even though the closest place to Bario area is Baram PPK, it is still far and may involve high cost that indirectly makes the price of fertilizers here to be doubled by entrepreneurs in Bario,” he said.

Ahmad Shabery has therefore asked the National Farmers Organisation (Nafas) to provide support to entrepreneurs in

Bario who are experiencing difficulties in bearing the cost of bringing fertilizers to relieve the concerns of farmers here.

“The ministry understands the plight of the farmers here because the cost of fertilizers alone can change from RM50,000 to RM70,000 per season.

“We hope that Bario Rice continues to be a special rice available not only in Sarawak but also throughout Malaysia and the world,” he said.

The difficulty involving the production of Bario Rice is acknowledged by a farmer, Malik Bala, who said the fertilisers

were indeed very expensive and that it would take about 12 hours to bring them to Bario.

“Bario Rice is no doubt popular and very special because it involves using organic fertilizers. However, the problem that

bothers us is the harvesting of the rice which is done manually and also the lack of water at times.

“It is really difficult to bring fertilizers to Bario not to mention the high cost involved. I have to come up with five bags of

fertiliser at about RM150 each per planting season,” the 49-year-old farmer from Kampung Para Mapuh said.

Matius Litah, 56, the headman of Kampung Pa Lungan, a farmer since he was 17, said he was looking forward to see the local rice product be made commercially viable.

“I hope the government will continue to help farmers in Bario to enhance our undertaking because the local products can go far if they are developed further.

“I also wish to see more of the younger generation being involved in farming activities to ensure rice production in Bario can be sustained for years to come,” he added.