JOHOR BARU: Farmers are bracing for a ‘perfect storm’ as the ongoing haze takes a toll on crops while the looming Super El Nino threatens to bring water shortages and push production costs even higher.
Federation of Vegetable Farmers Associations president Lim Ser Kwee said water scarcity was the main concern for farmers, especially those growing vegetables, as the crops are highly dependent on water for survival and growth.
Lim said when El Nino hits, there are bound to be water shortages, forcing farmers to spend more on pumping and storing water, irrigation, diesel, electricity, pest and disease management, as well as shading.
“If production costs continue to rise while vegetable prices do not increase accordingly, farmers will face even greater pressure, particularly small-scale farmers.
“Some farmers may be forced to reduce their planting or even leave the industry altogether.
“In the long run, this could affect the local vegetable supply and the country’s food security,” he said in an interview.
Lim said the previous Super El Nino episode, which hit the country between 2015 and 2016, should serve as a warning of what could happen.
“We cannot wait until farmers run out of water before taking action,” he said, urging the federal and state governments to improve water infrastructure and promote water-saving measures.
He also proposed assistance of between RM1,000 and RM2,000 per acre if the drought worsens, along with subsidies for water-saving equipment.
Johor Fruits Farmers Association chairman Alvin Lo said the haze was already affecting agricultural output, with some plants seeing lower yields due to the phenomenon.
“When there is a water shortage, our costs will increase further because we need to use diesel-powered machines to pump water to irrigate the crops.
“Many farmers are already stretched to the limit,” he said, echoing Lim’s view that many farmers are likely to leave the sector altogether.
Lo hoped the government would provide additional assistance to help farmers cope with rising costs, including providing more subsidies or assistance for fuel and electricity.
When contacted, Johor agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Md Israk Abdullah said the state government would look into the matter.
“At the moment, we have yet to come up with a specific plan on this but we understand the concerns and will look at ways we could assist those affected by the Super El Nino,” he said, adding that the state government welcomes suggestions from farmers.
