Melaka State Govt Introduces Initiatives To Ease Burden Of Farmers, Livestock Breeders

MELAKA, April 16 (Bernama) -- The Melaka state government will introduce three initiatives to help ease the burden on padi farmers, vegetable farmers and livestock breeders amid rising operating costs, particularly due to rising diesel prices.

State Exco for Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, said one of the measures includes a subsidy of RM30 per acre for padi farmers to cover the rising cost of machinery, such as for ploughing and harvesting, which has increased by 46 to 48 per cent.

"The hike in diesel prices directly impacts the operating costs of padi farmers. This measure is expected to benefit farmers cultivating nearly 1,214 hectares of padi fields in the state," he told reporters at the Melaka state government exco programme with the people (HEBAT) at the Seri Negeri Complex in Ayer Keroh today.

He further explained that the state government also plans to provide one-off assistance ranging from RM200 to RM500 to active small-scale farmers registered with the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA).

He noted that the assistance targets around 200 small-scale farmers who are not eligible for existing diesel subsidies because they fail to meet certain requirements, such as the annual income ceiling.

"Through FAMA, we will identify small-scale farmers who are genuinely active but have not previously received any aid, and provide them with a one-off diesel subsidy to help sustain their operations," he said.

Meanwhile, he said the state government has also agreed to waive Temporary Occupation Licence (LPS) fees for one year for farmers and breeders using state land to ease the financial burden of these groups. 

"This initiative is expected to be rolled out no later than May, after all approval processes are completed, including the presentation of the proposal paper to the state executive council," he said.

Dr Muhamad Akmal reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to listening to, understanding and supporting the people, particularly in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector

-- BERNAMA