Negri farmers urged to delay padi planting

SEREMBAN: Padi growers in the state should defer their replanting activities due to the current dry spell.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Moha­mad Hasan said this was important to prevent farmers from suffering losses.

“I am sure farmers are aware that plenty of water is needed for their crops within weeks of replanting.

“Since the dry spell is expected to continue, it would be better for them to delay the replanting process,” he told reporters after chairing the exco meeting here yesterday.

Negri Sembilan padi farmers are concentrated mainly in the Kuala Pilah, Jempol, Jelebu and Tampin districts.

Mohamad said river waters could not be pumped into padi irrigation canals as the water was needed for human consumption.

“Our rivers are our main source of drinking water and we can’t take more water from there since the levels are already low,” he said.

On the water level at its seven dams, Mohamad said although the situation was not critical, it was crucial for the people to be prudent about water usage.

“We are worried as some dams are nearing critical levels. Remedial measures must be put in place now and we hope the rain will come soon,” he said, adding that special prayers would be held in mosques.

Mohamad added that there were no plans yet to impose water rationing.

“We are only worried about the Tampin and Rembau districts but have managed to overcome the problem by supplying additional treated water from the Sawah Raja plant,” he said.