Padi farmers hoping govt will provide seeds

Parched grounds: Dry padi fields seen in Perlis in the wake of the prolonged hot and dry weather. Based on the analysis of weather models, MetMalaysia expects the current weather state to remain until mid-April due to the lack of rain-producing clouds and the upcoming equinox. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Since temperatures surged a few months ago, padi farmers in the country have suffered losses of between 35% and 50%, say stakeholders.

The hot weather has led to their crops not getting enough moisture as well as being hit with diseases. This, in turn, has led to the harvested rice not meeting the required weight.