KOTA BARU: The Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (Kada) has received an allocation of RM20mil to repair agricultural infrastructure damaged by recent floods in Kelantan.
Kada chairman Khalid Abdul Samad said the damage includes the water control gates in Pasir Mas and Pasir Puteh.
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He said the floods not only destroyed a significant portion of padi fields but also severely affected irrigation systems and other infrastructure.
"We must find immediate solutions, even temporary measures, to ensure water supply can reach the fields in time for the next planting season, scheduled before April.
"Kada will hold discussions tomorrow (Monday, Jan 6) with the (relevant state executive councillors) to address this matter,” he told reporters at a Kada event on Sunday (Jan 5) night.
Khalid said the meeting would also discuss rebuilding the damaged riverbank piles.
He said while the state government had previously approved the repairs, additional studies on the impact of riverbank erosion are required.
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"If the state government grants swift approval, we can commence repairs immediately, targeting completion before April to ensure the next padi planting cycle proceeds as planned. Funds are already available.
"Kada has also received RM17mil to buy 150 water pumps to supply water to padi fields, anticipating this year’s dry season,” he added.
Farmers affected by the floods will be supported through disaster relief funds and takaful insurance schemes registered under Agrobank, he said. – Bernama
