ALOR STAR: The Kedah State Zakat Board (LZNK) is urging farmers to grow hill padi on idle fields to prepare for a prolonged dry spell expected from the El Nino phenomenon next year.
Chief Executive Officer Datuk Zakaria Othman explained that hill padi is an ideal alternative to ensure rice supply amid potential food shortages.
"Hill padi is easier to manage and requires much less water than conventional padi," he said after observing a harvest at the Kedah Menteri Besar's residence in Seri Mentaloon yesterday.
Also present were Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Zakaria said that the LZNK has already planted two hectares in Sik and is cultivating an additional four hectares in Bendang Man.
"Insha Allah, with the upcoming dry season, we expect farmers will increasingly choose hill padi. It's manageable even on idle padi fields and can be grown by anyone with unused land."
He added that the recommended planting method involves spacing each plant eight to 12 inches apart.
"The closer they are planted, the better, as it reduces weed growth," he said.
Hill padi varieties, he added, mature within three to six months, with one kilogramme of seeds yielding up to 80kg of padi.
"Around 60 per cent of each kilogramme can be processed into rice, which sells for RM26 per kilogramme. It has a good taste, with some varieties carrying a fragrant aroma."