ALOR SETAR: The government’s decision to increase the floor purchase price for padi to RM1,300 per tonne not only brings relief but also an income boost to farmers in Kedah.
Grateful for the government’s decision, farmer Mohd Farid Ahmad said although the yield of his padi crop was slightly reduced this season, the increase enabled him to cut losses.
“With the rise in padi purchase price, we can cover some of the costs. Factories are also buying at a higher price now, so our income is not greatly affected,” the 35-year-old told Bernama.
The Malaysian Padi Farmers Brotherhood Association (PeSawah) executive committee member Abdul Rashid Yon said the increase is reasonable, considering the operating costs of padi fields at various levels have increased.
“Farmers’ earnings have been declining for the past four seasons.
“Now, farmers are a bit relieved because the manufacturers themselves are competing to buy padi at prices of up to RM1,750 per tonne because the demand for padi has increased,” he said.
Previously, the floor purchase price was at RM1,200 per tonne.
When presenting the Budget 2024 last October, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the increase in the floor purchase price to RM1,300 per tonne to help padi farmers.
The Prime Minister said the decision was made after considering complaints from padi farmers, as the purchase price by manufacturers had been lowered to a minimum of RM1,200 per tonne since 2014.
Muda Farmers Organisation for E1V Bukit Besar chief Aswadil Khairi Che Omar said farmers appreciate the government’s move, adding that this is a boost to their morale and has encouraged them to continue farming.
