Crackdown on padi seed shenanigans

Serious matter: Mohamad said stern action will be taken on those hoarding local padi seeds. — Bernama

THERE will be strict enforcement, among other measures, to ensure padi seedlings can be planted according to schedule to avoid a shortage due to delays, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

The Agriculture and Food Security Minister warned that stern action would also be taken against those who hoard local padi seeds, adding that several arrests had been made in over 20 locations involving such activities.

“As for planting padi seedlings, we will act to ensure the planting schedule is followed as much as possible,” he said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (PN-Bukit Gantang) in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

The lawmaker had raised complaints by padi farmers over the lack of padi seeds.

Farmers have claimed that some seeds were being sold above the controlled price and that this could lead to them not being able to plant sufficient padi this season.

To this, Mohamad said there should be no incidents of padi seeds being “hidden”.

“All involved must give their full cooperation. On the price of rice, this can be discussed later. But now, we want padi planting to be expedited,” he added.

The Star in its front page on Nov 11 reported that in five months, the country may face a severe shortage of local white rice due to unpredictable weather and the bloated price of padi seeds.

The erratic weather, said to be the result of climate change, has also concerned padi farmers even though they have switched to a schedule that would allow them to harvest five times every two years.

Another dilemma they face is a shortage in the supply of padi seeds, which has resulted in sky-rocketing prices.