Mada padi fields 65pct ready, planting set to resume after Aidiladha

PUTRAJAYA: Sixty-five per cent of padi fields under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) are ready for the planting season.

Planting activities are expected to resume after Hari Raya Aidiladha as water levels in irrigation areas continue to improve.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said water supply to planting plots had improved significantly, while dam levels were also rising.

“Yesterday, I went to Perlis and saw that the padi fields already had water. Perhaps they are waiting until after Hari Raya Haji to begin planting.

“The planting plots have water and dam levels are rising. I am confident they will begin planting soon,” he said at a press conference after officiating the Kebuniti (Gardentopia) agricultural information centre at the ministry today.

Yesterday, Malaysian Padi Farmers Association chairman Abdul Rashid Yob said only about 10 per cent of the 56,000 padi farmers in Kedah, including those in the Mada area, had begun planting, even though the dry-season schedule was supposed to start in April and early May.

Abdul Rashid said farmers were caught between the risk of water shortages during the dry season and the threat of flooding if the rainy weather persisted.

Responding to concerns that farmers remained hesitant due to unpredictable weather, Mohamad said changing weather patterns had made farming increasingly challenging.

“Weather conditions are beyond our control, but farmers naturally want to ensure their crops can produce good yields before planting.

“Based on the current situation, I believe the water supply is now sufficient. Mada is closely monitoring the situation,” he said.

On rising operational costs, Mohamad said the government would continue monitoring developments and providing support, including fertiliser subsidies.

“That is why the government is constantly gathering feedback.

“Recently, we provided fertiliser subsidies and other forms of assistance. We will continue to monitor developments from time to time,” he said.

On Gardentopia, Mohamad said the rooftop facility now serves as a reference, information and technical training hub for edible garden farming, particularly in maximising agricultural activities in limited spaces.

He said it also provides an interactive learning platform and hands-on training for target groups and members of the public interested in urban farming.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times