PETALING JAYA: A bottom-up approach is necessary to address the plight of padi farmers, as the government aims to boost agricultural output and safeguard food security, says a padi farmers’ group.
Malaysia Padi Farmers Brotherhood Association (PeSawah) chairman Abdul Rashid Yob said that while he welcomed the strategic move by the government under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), the group wants active consultation with authorities for the goals to be achieved.
“The strategies are important in ensuring sufficient food supply and reducing dependence on imports.
“However, we hope that the implementation at the field level will not be purely ‘top-down’ but will actively involve farmers through consultation and joint planning,” he said.
Abdul Rashid said the agricultural sector – not confined to padi farmers – also faces ageing manpower and low profit margins.
He proposed that the government engage with farmers to find solutions to attract the younger generation.
“The only way to attract the younger generation is through attractive economic opportunities.
“Currently, the sector is struggling in terms of manpower and this can be addressed through reducing production cost. The move will make the sector more profitable to attract the younger generation,” he added.
He also said the proposal to introduce modern technology is highly welcomed but emphasised the reality faced by small-scale farmers.
“Without comprehensive guidance and support, digital gaps and the cost involved could become an obstacle,” he said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia agronomy lecturer Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Shukor Juraimi said some farmers have been relying on technology to boost production but are struggling with the high cost involved.
“It is timely for the government to push for modern farming technologies but issues of capital remain among small-scale farmers.
“I hope there will be local operators and researchers who could provide the technologies for our farmers, with a more affordable cost,” he said.
Abdul Shukor also lauded the government’s efforts to increase the capacity of food production to reduce reliance on imports.
He said this could be achieved through allocating more land use for agricultural activities.
“Through our research, we found that most of our lands were not used for agriculture, but for residential and commercial purposes, which are deemed more profitable.
“I hope that under 13MP, the government will be able to provide compensation to land owners to transform their land for agriculture,” he said.
