GEORGE TOWN: The government's decision to raise the padi purchase floor price to RM1,500 per metric ton is not merely an adjustment, but a strategic move to boost the income of farmers and ensure national food security.
State Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol noted that although the increase is only RM200, the decision was not made lightly, as it had to balance the interests of farmers, manufacturers, and consumers.
He emphasised that the move reflects the government's commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector, ensuring farmers' welfare, and maintaining market stability without disrupting the food supply chain.
However, Fahmi cautioned that while the higher price benefits farmers, any sudden adjustments must be carefully managed to avoid price fluctuations.
"A sharp increase could have a significant impact on the food supply sector, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of local rice production. Therefore, any changes must be made cautiously to prevent disruptions to price stability," he told Bernama on Friday (Feb 14).
Meanwhile, Mohd Fauzi Hussin, chairman of the Kampung Palet Agricultural Farmers' Organisation said that the increase in the floor price will help offset the rising costs of padi seeds and agricultural inputs.
"We, the farmers, welcome and thank the government for this. It brings joy to the rice growers," he said, expressing hope that the government would consider additional incentives to further assist farmers.
In Kota Bharu, Zuha Ismail, chairman of the Kelantan Rice Farmers' Association (Pesak), said the price increase is justified given the rising costs of agricultural input.
On behalf of the association, he thanked the government for its concern and expressed hope that it would continue to focus on and support the welfare of local farmers.
Zuha highlighted that more than 7,700 farmers under the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) in the area had faced losses in the last two planting seasons and are still struggling financially to resume farming in the second season of 2024.
"I hope the new price would offer some relief to farmers and inspire more young people to pursue a career in agriculture,” he told Bernama.
Yesterday, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced a revision of the padi purchase floor price from RM1,300 to RM1,500 per metric ton.
He also confirmed that the price of local white rice would remain at RM2.60 per kg, with the government absorbing about RM150 million in production costs over the next six months.
The government last raised the floor price in 2023, to RM1,300 from RM1,200 per ton, a price that had been in place since 2014. – Bernama
