Almost RM1 Billion Allocated For Five Seasons In Two Years Paddy Cultivation Initiative

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Almost RM1 billion has been allocated to kickstart the five-season paddy planting project within two years, under Phase 1 of the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA), covering nearly 11,000 hectares, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He added that the initiative aims to boost rice yields by 15 per cent, while increasing the income of 6,100 paddy farmers by 43 per cent.

“The rice management efforts in Sekinchan, Sabak Bernam, have demonstrated the potential to produce up to 12 tonnes of rice per hectare,” he said.

“The government will start a pilot project to obtain fertilisers, including organic fertilisers, according to the rice cultivation area, through an open tender,” he said when presenting the Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat, today. 

Anwar, who is also the Minister of Finance, emphasised that the welfare of paddy farmers and fishermen will continue to be safeguarded, with RM2.78 billion allocated for subsidies, assistance, and incentives - an increase from RM2.6 billion.

Anwar said that a total of RM 300 million was also allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, for agricultural collaborations with state governments next year, doubling the RM150 million provided this year.

He explained that the funds would support initiatives such as onion cultivation in Perak, red tilapia farming in Pahang, and efforts to boost rice yields in Negeri Sembilan.

“The government, in partnership with private entities, will utilise nearly 3,561 hectares of idle land, under the regional development authorities and their network agencies, for agricultural projects, including organic chicken and cattle farming,” he said.

He said that among the significant weaknesses is the nation's high dependence on food imports, despite having fertile land and the capacity to enhance food security.

-- BERNAMA