JITRA: A total of 972 rice farmers under the Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP) in Kedah have suffered losses of approximately RM13.5mil after more than 1,500ha of padi fields were flooded.
LPP chairman Datuk Mahfuz Omar said the Asun Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK) was among the hardest hit, with 367ha of padi fields affected and 189 farmers involved.
“It is heart-breaking when the crops affected were between 85 and 100 days, just waiting to be harvested ... farmers are in a dilemma and forced to harvest to prepare the fields for replanting even though there is not enough yield to cover future operational costs.
“I have been informed that the Asun PPK, which is outside the area of the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) produces quality rice. To me, 1.8 metric tonnes of rice per 0.28ha is high, almost (the yield produced) in the Mada area.
“I hope they will remain patient while facing this test from Allah,” Mahfuz told reporters here yesterday.
Meanwhile, to address the impact of the north-east monsoon, a sum of RM4.2mil has been set aside, says Terengganu Disaster Committee deputy chairman Hanafiah Mat.
He said the amount included RM2.2mil provided by the Federal Government for the purchase of necessities and food for flood victims.
