GEORGE TOWN: Penang is stepping up efforts to protect its padi fields from conversion to non-agricultural use amid rising operating costs and declining yields that affect farmers' income.
State rural development, agro-technology and food security committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol said the state government is implementing several measures to ease farmers' financial burden, improve productivity and ensure padi cultivation remains economically viable.
He said the initiatives include providing agricultural inputs, rehabilitating padi fields and irrigation infrastructure, as well as introducing technology to boost crop growth.
"Under the 2026 State Development Allocation, the government is providing agricultural inputs such as foliar fertilisers, growth promoters and pest and disease control products to reduce production costs and improve yields," he said during the assembly sitting on Friday (Oct 30).
Rashidi said RM2.22mil had been allocated under the National Agrofood Empowerment Programme (PPAN) to rehabilitate sunken padi fields and provide farm drains in Seberang Perai Utara and Seberang Perai Selatan.
Another RM1mil was allocated to upgrade irrigation and drainage systems in Blocks K5 and K6 in Seberang Perai Tengah.
A further RM723,000 was set aside for drone services and inputs to control pests, diseases and weeds.
The state had additionally allocated RM1.622mil for the Qarbon Grow photosynthesis-enhancing technology to improve crop growth and increase padi yields per hectare.
"The Agriculture Department is strengthening its extension services through agronomic guidance, pest and disease management, as well as crop monitoring to help farmers maintain productivity and income," he said.
Rashidi said these interventions aim to encourage farmers to continue cultivating their land instead of converting padi fields to other uses.
On land protection, he said applications to change land-use categories, express conditions or restrictions are subject to state authority approval under Section 124 of the National Land Code.
The state government, through its State Padi Land Monitoring Committee, is working with the Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) Penang, state Agriculture Department, Land and Mines Office and local authorities to safeguard the state's padi granary areas.
He said padi fields under major irrigation schemes are designated as permanent agricultural zones under the Penang State Structure Plan and local authority plans.
"Applications to convert padi land for housing, commercial or industrial development are generally rejected at the initial screening stage," he said.
Applications involving land on the fringes of granary areas must undergo technical assessments by the Agriculture Department and IADA Penang.
Such applications would only be considered for public infrastructure projects, including roads, schools and flood drainage facilities, subject to conditions such as replacement compensation or the preservation of surrounding lots.
The state is using high-resolution satellite imagery, in collaboration with the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) and relevant agencies, to monitor changes in land use.
This includes identifying abandoned padi fields, unauthorised land reclamation and construction activities.
Rashidi said enforcement action could be taken against those found violating the relevant regulations.
He added that Land and Mines Director's Circular No. 2 of 2023 prohibits applications for subdivision of land within active padi granary areas from being considered.
He said under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), the state would focus on increasing food production through existing agricultural land, diversifying food crops and modernising farming activities.
Rashidi said the state aims to optimise its 11,858.08ha of active padi fields through suitable certified seeds, precision land levelling and Integrated Pest Management practices.
The measures are intended to increase yields and minimise production losses.
The state had allocated RM4.1mil for the development of the vegetable farming industry, including the adoption of modern technologies such as fertigation systems and rain shelters.
It would further strengthen six Permanent Food Production Parks (TKPM) and Agroparks covering 335ha and involving 129 farmers.
The areas had recorded a combined production of 5,359.79 tonnes of fresh food.
Another RM2.1mil had been allocated to develop a new generation of young farmers through training programmes such as Farmers Field School and Belia Tani.
Rashidi said the programmes would focus on modern agricultural technologies and more efficient farm management.
He said the state was combining land-use controls, assistance for padi farmers and agricultural modernisation to safeguard food production capacity and reduce the risk of disruptions to the state's food supply.
