TUMPAT: The price of vegetables in the local market is expected to stabilise in March next year after the end of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said this factor was due to the unpredictable weather which caused the supply of vegetables to decrease, resulting in increased selling prices.
"Every time the monsoon season arrives, this problem will occur, and we have received reports regarding the increase in the price of vegetables sold in the market.
"We expect this problem will be resolved by March next year, and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) will play a role in ensuring that the supply of vegetables is sufficient in the states involved," he said.
He told this to reporters at the Bunga Raya Farmers' Association here today.
Mohamad said initial losses in the agricultural sector in Kelantan were estimated to amount to RM33.2 million as a result of the floods that have hit the state since last month.
"This involves 4,888 target groups in various agricultural sectors.
"About 10,229.12 hectares of agricultural areas are affected, with 9,958.29 hectares involving paddy fields belonging to 4,207 farmers, while the rest are fisheries and other crops.
"The ministry, together with its departments and agencies, is always ready to help all target groups affected by the flood disaster in line with the core values of humanity under Malaysia Madani," he said.
At today's programme, Mohamad handed over Special Cash Contribution Assistance (BKST) Phase 2 amounting to RM6.3 million to 10,628 farmers in Kelantan affected by floods for the year 2024.