CAP Urges KPKM, Agencies To Mitigate Future Drought Impact On Padi Crops

GEORGE TOWN, April 9 (Bernama) -- The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) and related agencies to undertake early planning and proactive measures to address future droughts and safeguard padi crops.

Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the call follows a recent prolonged dry spell affecting padi fields in Kedah, Perlis and Perak, which damaged tens of thousands of hectares and reduced yields by more than 60 per cent, causing heavy losses to farmers.

"Perlis, for instance, recorded losses of about RM2.7 million due to drought. CAP’s survey in areas under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) found parched fields and padi crops withering due to water shortages.

“Besides MADA’s irrigation system, water levels in rivers and the Muda, Pedu and Ahning dams are also low,” he said in a statement today.

He urged state governments, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the Agriculture Department and relevant agencies to preserve water catchment areas, improve irrigation systems and provide more water pumps during drought periods.

Mohideen also said a proposal by MADA chairman Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh for farmers to adopt the dry direct seeding method at the start of the planting season should be reviewed, as it may lead to issues such as weeds, pests, rats, birds and poor seed growth, while still requiring water for germination.

CAP suggested that sowing should not be scheduled during dry periods to prevent fields from drying out and seeds from failing. It also proposed that seeds and fertilisers be distributed on time to enable coordinated planting.

“Traditional padi seeds and planting methods should be reintroduced, as they may be better suited to current climate conditions and more resistant to diseases and pests,” he said.

Mohideen said CAP is concerned about the impact of the drought, as it affects both farmers’ incomes and the country’s rice and food supply.

As such, he said CAP has proposed that KPKM provide assistance to farmers affected by drought-related losses this season to help ease their burden.

-- BERNAMA