SEREMBAN: Mardi has been told to come up with more efficient machines to minimise padi loss during harvesting, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said a study shows that up to 30% of padi is lost during harvesting due to the use of unsuitable machines and during transport to mills.
Mohamad said he had also instructed ministry officials to look into the possibility of introducing a special licence for lorries transporting padi.
"We have been using huge machines to harvest padi and some are not suitable as they are designed to harvest wheat.
"We should have smaller and lighter harvesters so all grains harvested can be collected and if there is any loss, it should not exceed 2%," he said at an event organised by the National Farmers' Organisation (Nafas) here.
Mohamad said the authorities need to look into all possibilities to increase yield as Malaysia still imports up to 35% of its rice.
He said announcements by the Indian and Vietnamese governments that it would start reducing rice exports should be treated seriously as Malaysia imports rice from both nations.
"They haven't stopped (exports) but we need to be prepared.
"This includes growing padi the Sekinchan way and achieving five padi planting seasons every two years," he said.
Prior to this, Mohamad had urged padi farmers nationwide to emulate farmers in Sekinchan and other parts in Selangor who were able to produce between six and 10 tonnes of rice per hectare for one season by using technology.
On July 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim promised padi farmers in Kedah an allocation of RM3bil to upgrade their infrastructure.
The allocation is to provide drainage and irrigation systems as well as roads through padi fields under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada), covering an area of 201,000ha.
Mohamad said if all these measures are put into place, the country can be self-sufficient.
"We need to be prepared as the inclement weather worldwide has negatively impacted rice production.
"We cannot be caught off guard and preparations must start in earnest," he added.
