JERLUN: The Five-Season Padi Cultivation Programme in the Muda Area in Kedah will bring about comprehensive reforms to the country's padi and rice industry ecosystem, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said this would at once reduce dependence on imports and strengthen the country's rice self-sufficiency rate.

"This initiative is very close to my heart. Therefore, rapid implementation and effective coordination are very important to increase the capacity of local rice farmers and ensure more sustainable harvests," he said in a statement to the media here yesterday.

In this regard, Anwar called on the state government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to continue to act promptly and in an integrated manner to make this important agenda a success.