ALOR SETAR: Local farmers in the cultivation areas of the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) are urging for the immediate upgrade of dilapidated irrigation and drainage infrastructure. This upgrade is necessary to ensure the success of the government’s “five seasons in two years” paddy cultivation initiative.
Ahmad Bakar, a 71-year-old farmer with over 30 years of experience in paddy cultivation, noted that most of Mada’s irrigation and drainage infrastructure was built between 30 to 40 years ago. He emphasized that a significant portion of this infrastructure is in poor condition and requires replacement. However, due to a lack of allocation, the quality and maintenance of the infrastructure have been unsatisfactory.
“In order to meet the current needs of farmers, it is crucial that this infrastructure be upgraded. We are eagerly awaiting the government’s commitment to allocate RM3 billion for the upgrade,” Ahmad Bakar highlighted on Friday (July 28).
Another farmer, Syahmi Azhar, aged 34, drew attention to the poor road conditions in Mada areas, which have a direct impact on crop production. He stated that the presence of potholes on the roads makes it difficult to ride a motorcycle while carrying equipment and seeds, particularly when farmers are alone. This has resulted in accidents where farmers have fallen off their machines.
“It is our hope that the full allocation will be utilized to benefit Mada farmers. The success of the cultivation initiative will not only generate more income and returns for the state of Kedah but also for the country as a whole,” Syahmi Azhar expressed.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced the Madani Economy: Empowering the People initiative. As part of this initiative, the government is committed to improving irrigation infrastructure in the Mada areas of Perlis and Kedah. This improvement is aimed at increasing rice production to five seasons’ worth within a span of two years. The allocated budget for this infrastructure upgrade is RM3 billion. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
