ALOR SETAR: Padi farmers in Kedah have been promised an allocation of RM3bil to upgrade their infrastructure, allowing them to achieve five padi planting seasons every two years. This significant investment aims to ensure national food security and improve the quality of life for padi farmers. However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim acknowledges that raising such a substantial amount will not be an easy task.
“The allocation is intended for the provision of drainage and irrigation systems, as well as roads through padi fields under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada), covering an area of 201,000ha,” stated Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, during the Sentuhan Madani event held at Mada headquarters in Ampang Jajar, Kedah.
Anwar further explained, “This program will be carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Mada, and Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas). I hope all padi farmers will cooperate with Mada and Bernas to make this project a success and increase yields.” He emphasized that conducting the program on a large scale is necessary, as the pilot project has already shown promising results within two years.
In terms of benefits, Anwar highlighted that padi farmers’ monthly income would rise from RM1,200 to RM1,800 through the implementation of this program. The Sentuhan Madani event witnessed the distribution of RM62.58mil in aid and incentives to farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, and rubber tappers.
Among the beneficiaries, RM28,785,090 was allocated to 46,238 padi farmers under the Padi Farming Sector Special Aid, RM18,172,544 went to 2,468 fishermen under the Fisheries Sector Development Incentive, and RM15,626,012 went to 20,755 farmers under the Crops Sector Development Incentive. Kedah, known as the largest rice producer in the country, produces approximately one million tonnes annually, accounting for about 40% of the national rice production.
Under the 2023 Budget, the Federal Government has allocated RM1.6bil for padi farming subsidies and incentives. This includes RM228mil to provide a RM200 monthly allowance to 300,000 farmers for three months while they await the harvesting season.
During the Karnival Usahawan Desa event held in Sungai Petani, Anwar allotted RM8.72mil for various agricultural development programs. Specifically, RM3.9mil was directed towards the Kedah Rubber Industry Smallholder Development Authority (Risda) entrepreneurs and agrofood development program. Additionally, RM1.5mil was allocated for the Kedah Regional Development Authority (Keda) entrepreneurs program, RM1.2mil for the Income Alleviation Program, RM1.2mil for the Rural Farmers Farming Project, and RM920,000 for the Selected Areas Integrated Development Project.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu were also present at the event. This significant funding and initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to uplift the agricultural sector and support the livelihoods of farmers in Kedah.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
