PETALING JAYA: Padi farmers may have to delay planting and reduce cultivation if El Nino conditions worsen and trigger water shortages, says the Malaysian Padi Farmers Association.
Its chairman, Abdul Rashid Yob, said about 30% of farmers have already planted their crops, although planting activities were slightly delayed.
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“If water shortages occur due to El Nino, many farmers may have to reschedule planting and reduce cultivation areas to minimise losses,” he said.
El Nino is a climate phenomenon that typically brings hotter and drier conditions to Malaysia, increasing the risk of drought and water shortages.
It is expected to persist until early next year and is forecast to bring reduced rainfall and hotter, drier conditions, affecting agriculture, water supply, public health and increasing the risk of haze.
Abdul Rashid said water levels in nearby dams had declined significantly, leaving limited supplies for agricultural use.
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However, he added that it was still too early to estimate the impact on yields, as much would depend on the intensity and duration of the weather phenomenon.
While farmers are prepared to face weather-related challenges, Abdul Rashid said efficient water resource management and continued government support remain crucial to ensuring the country’s rice production is not affected.
He urged the authorities to address rising costs across the padi industry to sustain production and reduce reliance on imports.
Abdul Rashid said farmers were already grappling with rising costs linked to the global energy crisis, which had affected morale.
He also called for the wider adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties and more efficient farming practices to cope with hot weather and water shortages.
Agricultural economist Prof Datuk Dr Nasir Shamsudin urged the authorities to prioritise irrigation water supplies for padi-growing areas, increase strategic food reserves and provide targeted assistance to affected farmers.
He said padi and vegetable crops are particularly vulnerable to heat because they require a consistent water supply and are highly sensitive to moisture stress.
Nasir, of the Putra Business School, said prolonged dry conditions could also reduce oil palm yields and lead to lower orchard fruit harvests and latex yields.
He said there is a risk that the nation may have to increase food imports if a prolonged El Nino significantly reduces domestic production of rice and other staple foods.
“Rice is particularly vulnerable because Malaysia already imports about 45% of its requirements, limiting its ability to offset major domestic production losses,” he said.
Nasir added that El Nino could also disrupt global supplies of livestock and poultry feed ingredients, raising import costs.
As Malaysia relies heavily on imported feed grains, he noted that higher feed costs would likely increase poultry production costs and eventually food prices for consumers.
