KOTA BARU: Kelantan is set to introduce its own rice brand this August, following the anticipated completion of the Darul Naim Rice and Paddy Mill in Meranti, Pasir Mas, ahead of the year's first harvesting season.

State Agriculture, Agro-food Industry and Commodities Committee chairman Datuk Tuan Mohd Saripudin Tuan Ismail said the mill would produce five-kilogramme packets of rice under the Darul Naim brand, and is expected to create over 100 job opportunities for local residents.

He said the mill's construction is a flagship project under his portfolio, in line with the state government's goal to have its own paddy processing and rice production facilities through a state-owned agency.

"The initiative is being realised through a collaboration between Kumpulan Pertanian Kelantan Bhd and a private investor to build and operate the facility.