PERAK government is taking a proactive and comprehensive approach to strengthen padi production in the state.
State agriculture committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said this involved key production areas such as Kerian and Seberang Perak.
He said this was in view of higher costs for fertiliser, pesticide and energy, as well as risks posed by extreme weather conditions, including drought and water shortages
“Through allocations under the 13th Malaysia Plan, targeted support is being channelled to farmers, including upgrading farm drainage systems, land levelling, works to improve soil fertility and enhance resource efficiency,” he said during the Perak State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan in Ipoh yesterday.
He was replying to Sallehuddin Abdullah (PN-Selinsing) who asked about the state government’s strategies to ensure that rice production remained stable.
Fertiliser and pesticide assistance continue to be provided to ease the financial burden on farmers while supporting sustainable yield growth, said Mohd Zolkafly.
He said the state government had also reinforced efforts to preserve cultivated areas through the gazettement of agricultural zones under local development plans since 2021, alongside initiatives to reactivate idle land for food production purposes.
“To address water scarcity, particularly in Kerian during dry seasons, Kerian Agricultural Development Authority has deployed multiple mobile water pumps to critical locations.
“Cloud seeding operations conducted in February have also shown positive results, contributing to an increase in the Bukit Merah dam water level and supporting irrigation needs for padi fields.”
He added in Seberang Perak, water management had been further strengthened through the deployment of mobile pumps and structured irrigation scheduling.
