SL Agritech rice varieties gain popularity

The Doña Maria Jasponica, a premium rice produced by SL Agritech Corp., is fast becoming a very popular local brand “because of its fragrant aroma and exceptional eating quality,” Dr. Santiago Obien, former executive director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), said.

“Talagang ibang-iba ang lasa at masasabi kong comparable sa imported quality rice which is more expensive. I have tasted it once and since then, I never tried to buy other kind of rice in the market,” Obien said.

Another quality rice produced by SL Agritech that has a growing following from local consumers is the Doña Maria Miponica. Aside from its exceptional eating quality, it is also blessed with the unique texture of Milagrosa rice.

The two rice variants, named in honor of the mother of Henry Lim, chairman and CEO of SL Agritech, combine the fragrant aroma of Jasmine rice and the excellent eating quality of Japanese rice. When cooked, the grains achieve a soft, sticky and chewy texture enhanced further by its aroma,” Lim said.

“I’m very proud of the fact that the Doña Maria rice brand is now becoming a very popular among housewives. It is also being patronized by big hotels and restaurants,” Lim added.

Sold in bags of two, five, 10 and 25 kilos in leading groceries and supermarkets, Doña Maria Jasponica is much cheaper than imported Thailand and Japanese rice.

One of those who have commended the exceptional eating quality of Doña Maria Jasponica and Doña Maria Miponica, is former food minister and National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Jesus Tanchanco.

He said: “Dahil sa ang mga ito ay pawang mga produkto ng ating bansa, nararapat lamang nating tangkilikin through which, we will actually be helping our own farmers and saving for our country precious dollars from importation of quality rice.”