Food prices escalating globally have sparked protests and demonstrations worldwide. Worries of a food crisis in Malaysia has the government and various institutions on their toes as they work to come up with better solutions to resolve such a pressing issue. Farmers are being urged to increase rice production to five harvests in two years, in contrast to the current rate of two harvests a year. Similarly, MARDI has taken measures in boosting food productions, especially in the field of biotechnology through the increase in yield potential and crop resistance. While plans are underway in Sarawak to develop large scale padi planting areas and mini-estates to achieve 100% self-sufficiency of the key staple by 2015.

The biotechnology will be getting a much needed boost as the Ministry of Finance is planning to approve up to RM2.5 billion for Malaysia Debt Ventures to launch a financing programme for biotechnology. The move, aimed at boosting biotechnology innovation and entrpeunership, will see companies receiving revolving loans of between RM2 million and RM120 million and loan tenure periods up to 120 months. MDV is currently targeting to disburse RM200 million in loans by March 2009.