Padi fields desperate for rain

In dire straits: Farmers lamenting the current condition of Sungai Pendang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

Reports by IMRAN HILMY, RAHIMY RAHIM, SIRA HABIBU, DIYANA PFORDTEN and ILI AQILAH

ALOR SETAR: While the rest of the country is now feeling the heat, a drought is severely affecting farmers in several areas in Kedah.

Checks in Sungai Jagong, Kampung Charok Kering and Lubuk Reba in Pendang show parched padi fields planted with young seedlings beginning to crack from the lack of rain since early November.