SEREMBAN: Mardi has been advised to develop more efficient machines to reduce padi loss during harvesting, according to Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security stated that a study revealed that up to 30% of padi is lost during harvesting due to the use of inappropriate machines and during transportation to mills.
Mohamad also instructed ministry officials to explore the possibility of introducing a special license for lorries transporting padi.
“We have been using large machines to harvest padi, and some are not suitable since they are designed for wheat harvesting,” he said during an event organized by the National Farmers’ Organization (Nafas) here.
“We should have smaller and lighter harvesters so that all grains harvested can be collected, and any loss should not exceed 2%,” he added.
Mohamad emphasized the need for authorities to explore all possibilities to increase yield since Malaysia still imports up to 35% of its rice.
He also highlighted the importance of taking the announcements by the Indian and Vietnamese governments that they would reduce rice exports seriously, considering that Malaysia imports rice from both nations.
“While they have not completely halted their exports, we need to be prepared,” he noted.
“This includes adopting the Sekinchan method of padi cultivation and achieving five cycles of padi planting within two years,” he suggested.
Prior to this, Mohamad encouraged padi farmers across the country to learn from farmers in Sekinchan and other parts of Selangor who were able to produce between six and 10 tonnes of rice per hectare for one season, thanks to technology.
On July 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pledged an allocation of RM3 billion to upgrade the infrastructure for padi farmers in Kedah.
This allocation aims to provide drainage and irrigation systems, as well as roads through padi fields, under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada), covering an area of 201,000 hectares.
Mohamad stated that if all these measures are implemented, Malaysia can achieve self-sufficiency.
“We need to be prepared because adverse weather conditions worldwide have had a negative impact on rice production,” he warned.
“We cannot be caught off guard, and preparations must start immediately,” he concluded.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
