Weathering the storm: With the rainy season on the horizon, vegetable farmers are fortifying their greenhouses and plastic shelters to safeguard their crops against damage. — Photo courtesy of Lau Weng Soow
PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia prepares for the impending monsoon season, vegetable farmers here have taken proactive steps to safeguard their crops and maintain a steady supply of fresh produce for consumers.
Federation of Vegetable Farmers Associations president Lim Ser Kwee said vegetable farmers have started increasing vegetable cultivation by 20% to cope with the upcoming monsoon, which is expected to reduce vegetable yields. He added that farmers have always taken preventive measures, but this year’s climate is more unpredictable compared to previous years.
For instance, June and July, which are typically dry, were unusually rainy this year.
Lim said farmers are anxious this year, hoping that strong winds and heavy rain do not destroy the vegetable plots.
“The current weather, alternating between rain and intense sunlight, makes it easier for pests and diseases to thrive in vegetables. Currently, some wild vegetables are affected by pest infestations.
“The price of vegetables may increase slightly at the end of the year due to demand, but there will still be a supply of vegetables and there won’t be any shortages,” he added.
Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association deputy president Lau Weng Soow said farmers have given high priority to using protective fungicides and pesticides to prevent vegetables from rotting. They also dug drains a few months ago to mitigate potential issues.
“In Cameron Highlands, we use tents and greenhouses, but when there is strong wind, it can still destroy the vegetables,” Lau said, adding that this year’s winds are expected to be stronger, with the monsoon season expected to arrive by mid-to-late November.
“The greenhouses provide an extra layer of protection for our crops, but we’re still concerned about the intensity of the monsoon this year. We are facing stronger winds this year. During the rainy season, if we have 24-hour downpours, the vegetables will rot,” Lau said, adding that farmers often bear the brunt of natural disasters and suffer the losses themselves.
While production is typically reduced by around 30% due to climate conditions towards the end of the year, leading to slightly higher prices, Lau said “the supply remains sufficient”.
Cameron Highlands Floriculturist Association president Lee Peng Fo highlighted the challenges faced by local flower farmers due to unpredictable weather conditions.
“Climate cannot be controlled, but flower farmers have always taken preventive measures,” Lee said, adding that the only viable strategy for farmers is to construct sturdier shelters for their crops.
“Farmers also worry about heavy rains and landslides, which are common occurrences in Cameron Highlands,” he added.
Currently, flower farmers are focusing on cultivating chrysanthemums and other blooms needed for the upcoming Chinese New Year, increasing their planting by 10% to 20% to meet festive demands.
“We have been planting regularly, with daily sales remaining good, but there’s an increase in planting to cater for Chinese New Year,” Lee added.
Rice farmer Abdul Rahim from Bukit Gambir, Johor, said rice planting is scheduled to start in mid-November.
However, he expressed concern that the increasingly unpredictable climate could lead to flooding in their area this year.
“If there is no flooding, we can anticipate a bountiful crop, but if it does occur, we may suffer significant losses,” he said.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the government implemented simulation exercises and engagement sessions nationwide to strengthen the preparedness of state and district disaster management committees and response agencies.
“This is part of the ministry’s emergency action plan to prioritise the safety of flood victims and minimise property loss,” he said during a written reply in Parliament.
The ministry also enhanced flood monitoring and early warning systems, with the Drainage and Irrigation Department identifying 5,648 flood hotspots for immediate mitigation efforts.
Mohamad said 82,794 officers and 37,127 assets, including rescue boats and vehicles, are on full alert nationwide to respond to potential flood incidents.
“Furthermore, the Social Welfare Department has prepared 8,481 temporary evacuation centres with a capacity to accommodate over two million victims,” said Mohamad, adding that Nadma has allocated RM232mil in disaster assistance funds to all states.
