ALOR SETAR, April 16 (Bernama) -- The Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) has advised padi farmers to optimise the use of rainwater in their respective fields as dam levels remain low.
MADA said in a statement today that it is closely monitoring padi planting activities for Season 1/2026 following changes in weather conditions that are beginning to show positive signs in the field.
“Based on records up to yesterday, the average rainfall in the entire Muda area stood at 122 millimetres (mm).
“This means that the previously recommended dry-direct seeding (TTK) method is no longer relevant, as soil conditions are now beginning to receive sufficient rainwater supply for the next planting phase,” the statement said.
However, MADA stressed that water levels in the three main dams, namely Pedu Dam, Muda Dam and Ahning Dam, remain low and have not yet reached a comfortable level to fully support padi irrigation.
The agency said that as of today, the total reservoir capacity in the three dams stood at 39.22 per cent and that, since it remained below 40 per cent, water release was restricted to domestic use only.
“Since MADA is currently unable to provide irrigation water support from the dam, farmers are advised to switch back to the direct seeding in water or wet direct seeding planting method by fully utilising existing rainwater resources in the field.
“Farmers are also urged to use water prudently by maintaining field bunds, ensuring rainwater can be effectively stored and improving monitoring of water control gates to avoid wastage,” he said.
--BERNAMA
