GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government will consider continuing its one-off RM500 cost of living assistance for padi and vegetable farmers annually, depending on its financial position and budget priorities.
State rural development, agro-technology and food security committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol said the current assistance benefited 6,510 padi and vegetable farmers, involving an allocation of RM3.255mil.
He said the state acknowledged that the RM500 payment was not enough to offset the overall increase in agricultural operating costs.
"However, it is a form of appreciation and direct support for those who have long been the backbone of the state's food production," he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill and the 2027 Development Expenditure Estimates during the state assembly sitting on Thursday (Nov 5).
Rashidi said support for farmers should go beyond financial assistance, with the state government continuing to focus on providing equipment, agricultural extension services, training, technology adoption, pest and crop disease control, as well as improvements to agricultural infrastructure.
On the spread of the "keladi agas" pest in padi fields, he said the state government set up a task force in May 2023 to carry out coordinated and continuous efforts to contain, eradicate and control the weed.
He said infestations could affect crop growth and yields while increasing farmers' pest control costs.
During the second planting season of 2023, RM400,000 was allocated to control the weed across 74.4ha in two districts.
The initiative resulted in a 64.15% reduction in infested area during the first planting season of 2024, he said.
Last year, control measures continued through 12 campaigns and briefing sessions, alongside the establishment of a 4ha rice check demonstration plot in North Seberang Perai.
Rashidi said control measures were carried out from the land preparation stage through to rice plant growth.
These included ploughing, water-level management and herbicide application in accordance with technical recommendations.
Farmers were also given guidance on suitable control methods and timing to minimise repeated treatments and reduce risks to their crops.
"The state government will continue to strengthen monitoring and infestation surveys, while providing technical advice to farmers," he said.
On complaints about irrigation canals overgrown with weeds in Guar Perahu, Guar Jering, Padang Temusu and Kampung Terus, Rashidi said he acknowledged the need for regular cleaning and maintenance.
He said a properly functioning irrigation and drainage system was essential to ensure smooth padi cultivation.
Rashidi said the state government would assess the impact of water disruptions on crops, identify farm-level rehabilitation needs and provide technical guidance to farmers.
