.png)
Unpolished or whole grain rice is essentially where only the indelible husk of the rice is removed, while the bran layer stays intact. Typically, unpolished rice has a higher fiber content compared to its polished version. As a general rule of thumb, unpolished rice will require a little bit more water to cook and will shy slightly from exhibiting the true characteristics of the rice.
Under this project 43 farming households managed to grow an amazing 28 tons of 34 heirloom varieties of rice. This meant a 230% return on farmer, grant and public investment, and an average household income of RM 8,485. Farmers who used organic production was valued 40% higher, worth over RM 3,000 more per acre, because yields were higher, prices were higher, money was saved on chemicals, and with SRI less seed was needed.
The farmers of these communities have shown that they can make meaningful contributions to improving Sabah's Rice Self Sufficiency Level (SSL) from its current stuck level of just 25%, while improving their lives. On average participating farmers produced enough rice to meet their yearly needs plus 40% extra; In Kg. Tinuhan 72% of participating farmers exceeded the 100% SSL level of 80kgs/rice/household/year.
By sharing new ways of planting, farmers are transitioning to more sustainable methods, such as using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) methodology, making organic fertilizers, compost and so on, so as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of agriculture chemicals.
Working directly with a community of farmers allows for direct access and impact. All profits go directly to the farmer, supporting local livelihoods and economies. Citizen science efforts also help to advance a localized understanding to sustainable rice production.
Engaging with farmers whose main priority is food security means supporting an artisnal production of rice (vs. commercial). Farmers have full control over choosing the types of rice to plant, planting methods used, milling preferences, and deciding what/how much to sell. Their labor is the most substantial component of the finished product.
Our rice is produced by local farmers who use traditional methods. By purchasing our rice, you're supporting their livelihoods and helping to preserve traditional farming practices in the region.
Our organization is dedicated to restoring food security in the region by promoting local food production. When you buy our rice, you're contributing to this effort and helping to build a stronger, more resilient community.
We are committed to preserving traditional farming practices, which are an important part of local culture and heritage. By buying our rice, you're supporting this effort and helping to keep traditional farming practices alive for future generations.
Because our rice is produced locally, we can provide detailed information on where it was grown and how it was processed. This means you can be sure of its quality and authenticity.
Secondly, to assist farmers to transition to more sustainable methods through sharing new ways of planting paddy, particularly using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) methodology, making organic fertilizers, compost and so on, so as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of agricultural chemicals.
Thirdly, to advance understanding of sustainable rice production, by using citizen science and local knowledge to assess the successes and challenges of our rice farmers with the assistance of rice specialists and others.
Firstly, to support rice production to improve community incomes and food sovereignty while helping increase Sabah’s self-sufficiency level (SSL) for rice, by helping farmers find cost effective solutions to the hard work and risks of restoring fields and growing rice.
Lastly, our fourth goal is to story-tell, to tell and spread the story that you are reading now. It is important that the work that we have done does not go unnoticed because how do you revive something you don’t know about? So, if you’ve made it this far with the story, thank you.
Unpolished or whole grain rice is essentially where only the indelible husk of the rice is removed, while the bran layer stays intact. Typically, unpolished rice has a higher fiber content compared to its polished version. As a general rule of thumb, unpolished rice will require a little bit more water to cook and will shy slightly from exhibiting the true characteristics of the rice.
