ALOR STAR: The RM200 cash aid to rice farmers and the provision of subsidies and incentives for the rice industry under Budget 2023 demonstrates the Unity Government's commitment to transform the agricultural sector into a modern and dynamic one.
The Young Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) said it was a step to make the country more competitive as a major food producer, thus making the agricultural sector an engine of national economic growth.
"Mada welcomes the Madani Budget 2023 announced by Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and is grateful to the Unity Government for agreeing to channel a monthly cash contribution of RM200 for a period of three months or a season.
"The allocation of RM228 million to 240,000 rice farmers throughout Malaysia includes those in the Muda area.
"In line with the food security agenda, the government has also agreed to continue providing subsidies and incentives for the rice industry, including the price of rice, rice fertiliser and hill rice amounting to RM1.6 billion.
"Apart from the RM60 million contribution, rice farmers will also enjoy a 30 per cent share of the net profit of rice imports by Bernas," Mada said in a statement today.
Mada also expressed its hope to work with the government through the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to face the challenges of the agrofood sector and drive modernisation efforts in the agricultural sector to increase food security and safety.
There are a total of 57,635 farmers cultivating 100,658 hectares of rice fields under the administration of 27 Mada Area Farmers' Organisations. -- BERNAMA