Melaka Targets RM50 Padi Seeds For Farmers By Early Next Year

MELAKA, May 17 (Bernama) -- The Melaka state government aims to begin the second-phase production of padi seeds under the Melaka Padi Seed Farm project by early next year, helping farmers access cheaper, more affordable seed supplies.

State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Exco Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the existing project in Kampung Tengah Padang, Merlimau, is expected to enter its second phase around October, after the harvest season.

"This initiative is expected to allow farmers to buy padi seeds at around RM50 per 20kg bag, significantly lower than current market prices, which can hit RM70.

"At the warehouse level, seeds cost about RM48 per 20kg bag. But by the time they reach farmers, prices can climb to RM70 due to transport and distribution costs," he told reporters.

He added that under this project, farmers may only need to pay an extra RM2 for transport, bringing the final price to roughly RM50.

He said the first phase of Melaka's padi seed production project was successful in yielding nearly 32 tonnes of seeds. The state government is targeting the same amount for the second phase.

Meanwhile, he noted that production of Beras Melaka (Melaka Rice) is currently on schedule, with a capacity of about 1,200 bags per month.

He said that demand for Beras Melaka remains very strong, with supplies distributed through FAMA Melaka typically selling out quickly. He added that production would be increased as needed in the future.

-- BERNAMA