Major loss: Abdullah Mohamad (front) and other farmers showing the padi affected by the drought season at one of the paddy fields in Kampung Charok Kering in Pendang, Kedah. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The Kedah Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) is taking steps to enhance agricultural irrigation and water distribution to prevent rice yield from being affected by the prolonged dry spell there.
Agriculture and Food Security Ministry deputy secretary-general (development) Datuk Badrul Hisham Mohd said regular checks based on reports from MetMalaysia and other sources would be conducted to ensure that farmers were kept well informed about their planting seasons.
He said so far, there had been no inquiries from farmers or Farmers Area Organisations (PPK) on the weather forecast from January to June this year.
Looking ahead, the ministry said it planned to implement the Rice Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP) as a long-term measure to offer enhanced compensation and coverage compared with the current Rice Crop Disaster Fund (TBTP) Programme.
In a statement to The Star, the ministry said the government was studying the implementation mechanism to ensure a holistic approach.
“In times of natural disasters and unforeseen events, padi farmers can seek assistance through their state disaster committee.
“The applications will undergo evaluation at the technical committee level overseen by the Agriculture Department.
“Once certified, these applications will be submitted to the TBTP master committee for approval, and the disbursal of funds will be managed by the Board of Farmers’ Organisations,” it said.
Recognising the October 2023 report from MetMalaysia which warned about the expected impact of the El Nino phenomenon, the ministry said increased temperatures and reduced rainfall might adversely affect rice harvests.
“As 60% of rice cultivation in Malaysia relies on irrigation systems, efficient and prudent management of dam water becomes crucial to secure water resources for the upcoming season.
“By implementing sustainable water management practices and offering improved support schemes, Kedah aims to provide a conducive environment for padi farmers, enabling them to navigate the challenges posed by climate change and maintain steady rice supply for the nation,” it said.
Yesterday, The Star reported that padi farmers in Kedah were faced with concerns due to the prolonged dry and hot weather caused by the ongoing El Nino.
Parts of Kedah, known as the country’s rice bowl, have not received rain since late December.
Farmers Area Organisations (PPK) Pendang Selatan chairman Abdullah Mohamad reported that some areas in Kedah had not seen rainfall for two consecutive months, leading to extreme heat.
Farmers have paused fertilisation and watering in response to the dry season to minimise losses.
The Pokok Sena area is particularly affected, with a month-long absence of rain creating conditions conducive to rice pests like caterpillars.
The unpredictable weather and pest infestations pose challenges, and if the dry spell persists, it could adversely impact the rice yield, with some areas already beginning early harvesting.
