PARIT BUNTAR: The increase in the Padi Price Subsidy Scheme (SSHP) rate announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today is regarded as a relief to padi farmers affected by the rising cost of padi production.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the payment of the increased subsidy from RM360 to RM500 per metric tonne of padi production will be channelled directly to the accounts of the farmers involved.
"This is a major announcement by the prime minister that the padi farmers have been waiting for. We have heard the grievances of the farmers and the subsidy increase announced today can provide much-needed relief to the farmers, especially those with small padi fields.
"Large-scale padi farmers are sometimes able to absorb the increase in price and other costs, but small-scale farmers will have difficulties," he said after the launch of the state-level Sentuhan Agro Madani Programme by Anwar.
Earlier in his speech, Mohamad said the Kerian and Seberang Perak Integrated Agricultural Development Areas (IADAs) are important crop areas in the state that focus on integrated padi cultivation, and that the padi production for these two IADAs in 2022 had reached 228,000 metric tonnes which represent 84 per cent of the state's padi production.
He said that the country's dependence on rice imports is currently at 35 per cent, which could pose a supply disruption risk if uncertainties arise at the global level.
In facing this situation, the government is determined to increase the country's rice production through various implemented and upcoming initiatives and remains committed to ensuring the well-being of padi farmers, he added. — Bernama