Study On Padi Farmers’ Losses Due To Fertiliser Delays To Be Completed By November

PASIR MAS, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- A study into padi farmers’ alleged losses due to delays in fertiliser supplies is expected to be completed by the end of November, with compensation proposals to be submitted to the government for consideration.

Padi and Rice Regulatory Department director-general Datuk Luqman Ahmad said the study was based on field data and padi  sales records to assess the actual impact on farmers’ production and identify affected areas.

He said preliminary findings had not indicated an average decline in padi yields, but a detailed assessment was still needed as the harvesting season in areas under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) had yet to be completed.

“Once all the data has been collected, we will examine the affected areas in detail before submitting our proposals for the government’s consideration,” he told a special media conference at a rice mill in Mukim Tasek Berangan here today.

He said any compensation decision must be based on evidence of actual losses, with the eligible recipients and appropriate payment amounts clearly identified.

Luqman said the study findings would be submitted to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry’s top management before being brought to the Cabinet for consideration and a decision, including the allocation of funds if compensation was approved.

He stressed that any public funds used for compensation must be supported by reliable data.

On calls to write off farmers’ debts, he said the department had yet to receive any formal proposal or concrete data on the amount owed by farmers.

“How can we submit a proposal for the Cabinet’s consideration without information on the amount of debt, the lenders involved and the farmers concerned?” he said.

He added that the government would need to examine the relevant information before considering any action on the matter.

-- BERNAMA