Govt Urged To Set Up Mechanism To Support Paddy Farmers Over Diesel Price Hike

KUALA NERANG, April 11 (Bernama) -- The government has been urged to establish a comprehensive mechanism to assist paddy farmers following the sharp increase in operating costs, particularly due to the current rise in diesel prices.

Kedah UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the increase in diesel prices to RM6.72 per litre has had a direct impact on the cost of paddy cultivation, which involves the use of machinery and equipment.

He said the situation has become more challenging as most agricultural machinery, such as tractors and harvesting machines, do not have access to fleet card facilities for diesel subsidies, forcing operators to purchase fuel at market prices.

“As an example, the cost of ploughing fields was previously around RM80 for one round and RM160 for two rounds. However, I understand that the cost has now increased to more than RM300 for two rounds for one plot.

“Paddy farmers need to make careful calculations as this does not yet include harvesting costs and fertiliser costs. Although subsidies are available, farmers usually still have to purchase fertiliser without subsidies. In addition, there are also costs for transporting the harvested paddy,” he told Bernama here today.

He is appealing to the federal government, particularly the Finance Ministry, to review and introduce an appropriate mechanism to ensure the sustainability of the paddy cultivation sector.

He said this is important as many farmers in the state, including those within and outside the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) area, are affected by rising costs.

He also proposed that the government review the entire paddy production chain, from planting to harvesting and transportation, to ensure farmers’ profit margins remain protected and that the national paddy industry is not adversely affected.

Commenting on a separate issue, Mahdzir, who is also the Padang Terap UMNO division chief, proposed the establishment of a special task force to comprehensively study aspects of ferry services to Langkawi, which are also burdened by rising diesel costs.

“A task force on ferry services should be established, among others, to determine travel schedules, operational management, as well as the financial implications involving operators and passengers.

“Without an effective task force, in the long term, this situation could affect the tourism industry in Langkawi,” he said.

-- BERNAMA