NAFAS Must Remain The Country's Main Fertiliser Supplier - Farmers

SUNGAI PETANI, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- The role of the National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) as the main supplier of fertiliser to farmers across the country must be maintained, said Merbok Area Farmers Organisation (PPK) general manager Faizul Mat Hasan.

He said that for many years, PPK has been placing fertiliser orders with NAFAS, with the distribution consistently proceeding as scheduled.

"We at PPK place orders with NAFAS, and they are required to deliver within 30 days to PPK...after that, PPK will distribute directly to the farmers working the padi fields, making the total supply period 45 days.

"During the last two or three seasons, everything went according to schedule, although there were some delays in the recent season, but everything has now been resolved. I hope NAFAS will remain the fertiliser supplier for farmers and I am confident in their ability to fulfil this responsibility," he told reporters when met at Kampung Padang Tok Sora, Merbok near here today.

Faizul added that the second padi planting season for 2024 is expected to end once the padi starts being harvested in early February.

Meanwhile, a 66-year-old padi farmer, Abd Malik Omar, said that NAFAS is now regarded as a family member of PPK and the farmers.

"I fully support the unity and bond that has been built over time. PPK and NAFAS are one family that must maintain the relationship to help farmers and planters achieve the goal of providing the country's staple food.

"I hope NAFAS can overcome the challenges it faces and continue to carry out its role even better," he said.

Another farmer, Mohd Nasir Osman, 58, said he has been involved in padi farming since his teenage years.

"Given the current economic situation, as a farmer, I certainly expect the best and want to increase padi production, not only to improve our income but also to increase the supply of local rice in the market.

"That is why I hope the fertiliser supply will continue to be handled by NAFAS. NAFAS has contributed a lot to farmers, and if there are any shortcomings, they should be addressed, but NAFAS should continue to serve PPK and farmers," he said.

He added that there are significant risks for farmers if the issues at the upper levels persist or if the government hands over the fertiliser supply to the private sector.

"If there are delays in the fertiliser distribution, the padi planting season will not start on schedule, and the padi yield may be affected.

"If privatised, the risks to farmers could be worse because they lack experience...things will get chaotic. That’s why I hope the government will make the best decision," he said.

-- BERNAMA