Padi Planting For Season 1/2026 In Kedah To Begin Soon - Mohamad

SERDANG, May 18 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) expects the padi planting process for Season 1/2026 in Kedah to begin soon, according to its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

Mohamad said he had been informed that more than 50 per cent of padi farmers in Kedah have already entered the ploughing phase in preparation for planting activities.

“Currently, more than 50 per cent are in the ploughing process, and there is water in the padi fields, although dam levels have yet to reach a satisfactory stage.

“However, the farmers will begin planting soon because more than half of the fields have already been ploughed and the process is ongoing,” he told reporters after the “Pitch and Connect @ MAHA2026” Hi-Tea Programme here today.

Previously, media reports stated that nearly 90 per cent of padi farmers in Kedah, including those within the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) area, had yet to begin planting for Season 1/2026 due to rising operating costs and water supply shortages.

Pertubuhan Persaudaraan Pesawah Malaysia (PeSAWAH) chairman Abdul Rashid Yob had reportedly warned that the situation could disrupt planting schedules and potentially affect the country’s rice self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) in the long term.

When asked whether the delay would impact the SSR level, Mohamad acknowledged that it could have an effect but said the ministry had measures in place to address the issue.

“If there is a shortfall in SSR, InsyaAllah, we will make efforts to overcome the shortage,” he said.

On reports that flower cultivation in the Cameron Highlands was also being affected, Mohamad said he had instructed the ministry to gather information and review the matter.

Regarding the organisation of the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-Tourism Exhibition 2026 (MAHA 2026), Mohamad said the exhibition, scheduled from Aug 28 to Sept 6, is targeting potential investments worth RM8 billion through various initiatives and exhibitions focusing on the modernisation of local and global agricultural technology.

For the record, MAHA 2024 recorded 81 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and memorandums of agreement (MoAs) with a cumulative investment value of RM7.2 billion.

MAHA is a biennial mega event held every two years at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).

 -- BERNAMA