PASIR MAS: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry estimates that flood-related agricultural damages across the country amount to approximately RM16mil this year.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu stated that the damages, which include rice, vegetables, and fisheries, may increase once the assessment is fully completed.
He identified the five worst-affected districts as Kota Baru, Pasir Mas, Tumpat, Bachok, and Pasir Puteh.
"The ministry will gather information through agencies under its jurisdiction, including the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (Kada).
"If possible, we will allocate additional funds to assist affected farmers, alongside various aid provided based on the extent of damages," he said.
He made these remarks to reporters after visiting Kelantan and receiving a flood briefing on Sunday (Dec 1).
Also present were Kada General Manager Mohd Faizul Mustafa and Kelantan State Agriculture Department Director Norbahani Zakaria.
Mohamad noted that rice crops are the most affected, followed by livestock, vegetables, and fish farming.
He further explained that initial aid plans for rice growers depend on schemes set at a rate of RM1,800 per hectare, depending on the age of the rice.
"Most of the submerged rice crops were nearly ready for harvest, which could lead to a shortage of rice," he said.
However, he assured that this situation is temporary, as the country still relies on imported rice.
In the same context, Mohamad mentioned that 764 rice farmers in the state suffered losses estimated at more than RM9mil, affecting over 1,609 hectares.
He later surveyed the condition of rice fields in Bendang Padang Kala and the temporary relocation centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Kala.
