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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright November 2023
The latest Auditor-General’s Report for the year 2022 paints a stark reality for padi farmers in Malaysia, with nearly one in four earning less than RM600 a month. The failure of the nationwide rice cultivation program to meet its targets has left 22.7% of the rice farming population struggling to make ends meet.
The report identifies constraints in allocation as a major hurdle, impacting irrigation and drainage maintenance, consequently affecting rice productivity. It reveals that a significant number of paddy farmers fall within lower income brackets, with the majority earning between RM600 and RM1,499.99 monthly.
With only 11,049 farmers surpassing the RM3,500 monthly income mark, the report raises concerns about the viability of rice cultivation as a sustainable livelihood. The low income targets, falling short of the national poverty line, may contribute to the declining interest of young people in the agricultural sector.
The efficiency, effectiveness, and prudence of the program's management are questioned, especially regarding the objectives of increasing rice and paddy production. Insufficient supplies of basic paddy seeds have led to the use of unrecognized seeds, delayed fertilizer deliveries, and reliance on private machinery services.
Moreover, the audit report highlights the failure to achieve self-sufficiency targets, set at 73.8% in 2022 and a more ambitious 80% by 2030. This not only raises concerns about food security but also underscores the urgency for comprehensive reforms.
The national auditors' call for enhancing monthly incomes to RM3,500 in granary areas and RM2,500 in non-granary areas by 2030 is a crucial directive. To secure the future of padi farmers, there is an immediate need for targeted policies, increased investment, and efficient resource allocation to address the root causes of low productivity and income.
The government must collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the availability of basic paddy seeds, streamline fertilizer distribution, and improve irrigation and drainage infrastructure. Additionally, a reassessment of income targets in alignment with the national poverty line is imperative to attract and retain talent in the agricultural sector.
In conclusion, the Auditor-General’s Report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize the well-being of padi farmers. Timely interventions, strategic planning, and a commitment to achieving self-sufficiency targets are essential to not only uplift the livelihoods of padi farmers but also to safeguard the nation's food security in the years to come.
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