Kedah Aims to Enhance Padi Seed Production to Boost Rice Industry
Efforts to Address Cartels and Low-Quality Seeds
Kedah is making a concerted effort to become a leading producer of padi seeds to boost the state’s rice production and improve farmers’ income. According to State Agriculture, Plantation, and Transport Committee chairman Dzowahir Ab Ghani, this initiative aims to eliminate issues related to cartels and the supply of low-quality seeds, which have long burdened rice farmers.
New Research Facility to Develop High-Quality Padi Seed Varieties
As part of this effort, a 20.2-hectare site in Pendang has been designated as a research facility to test and develop high-quality padi seed varieties. This facility will play a crucial role in ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds for farmers, ultimately leading to improved yields and increased income.
Supporting Farmers
Dzowahir emphasized that the government is committed to supporting farmers, noting that the average monthly income of rice farmers is currently below RM500. He made these remarks at an iftar organized by the Kedah Swiftlet Association yesterday.
Collaboration with Key Stakeholders
The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and the Malaysian Nuclear Agency. This collaboration aims to leverage the expertise and resources of these institutions to develop high-quality padi seeds that meet the needs of local rice farmers.
Enhancing Swiftlet Nest Operators’ Productivity
Meanwhile, Kedah is also committed to supporting swiftlet nest operators in boosting productivity and ensuring the industry remains resilient to meet the demands of key importing countries, including China, Taiwan, and Singapore. According to Dzowahir, 106 swiftlet nest operators have registered with the Veterinary Services Department, and the government is committed to supporting these operators to increase their productivity and competitiveness.
Conclusion
Kedah’s efforts to enhance padi seed production and support rice farmers and swiftlet nest operators are crucial steps towards improving the state’s agricultural sector. By developing high-quality padi seeds and supporting farmers, the state can increase rice production, improve farmers’ income, and ensure the industry remains competitive.
FAQs
Q: What is the goal of Kedah’s padi seed production initiative?
A: The goal is to boost the state’s rice production and improve farmers’ income by developing high-quality padi seeds.
Q: Why is the supply of low-quality seeds a burden on rice farmers?
A: The supply of low-quality seeds has long burdened rice farmers, leading to poor yields and decreased income.
Q: What is the average monthly income of rice farmers?
A: The average monthly income of rice farmers is currently below RM500.
Q: What is the status of the swiftlet nest operators in Kedah?
A: 106 swiftlet nest operators have registered with the Veterinary Services Department, and the state is committed to supporting them in boosting productivity and ensuring the industry remains resilient.