Government allocates RM48 million to aid 240,000 farmers with advance payments and higher incentives as diesel costs rise and dry weather hits crops
PETALING JAYA: The government has agreed to provide an advance payment of RM200 under the Special Paddy Planting Incentive Assistance programme to help paddy farmers cover machinery rental and working capital, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Speaking at a Global Supply Crisis press conference, Anwar said the initiative involves a total allocation of RM48 million and is expected to benefit about 240,000 registered farmers nationwide.
“At today’s National Economic Action Council meeting, it was also agreed that an advance payment under the ploughing incentive will be provided, as farmers require machinery rental and working capital to continue their operations.
“The Special Paddy Planting Incentive Assistance announced on April 14 by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has been increased from RM160 to RM300 per hectare, following the rise in commercial diesel prices.”
Anwar added that, to support paddy farmers affected by a prolonged dry season in northern Kedah, the government has intensified cloud seeding operations.
“Cloud seeding efforts will be strengthened by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM), while the Fire and Rescue Department has also been instructed to continue supporting operations despite its limited capacity,” he said.
Anwar said the dry spell, which is longer than usual, has caused difficulties for farmers and paddy planters in the affected areas.
He said the combined measures are aimed at easing the burden on paddy farmers and ensuring the continuity of planting activities amid current weather and cost challenges.
“While we acknowledge it is not easy, as we can see, RON95, even with subsidies and diesel assistance, has caused the government to bear an additional RM5 billion every month.
“Nevertheless, we have to face these challenges and do our utmost to ease the burden borne by the people and their families, especially those in the lower-income and vulnerable groups,” the Tambun MP added.
