Padi Farmers Urged to Increase Yield to Boost Income

Farmers’ Organisation Authority Chairman’s Advice

Padi farmers should increase their yield to boost their income more effectively than relying on an upward revision of the floor price, says Farmers’ Organisation Authority chairman Mahfuz Omar. According to Mahfuz, many farmers produce only about four tonnes of padi per hectare, with some harvesting as little as two tonnes.

“Some produce only two tonnes of padi because they are so focussed on the purchase price,” Mahfuz said. “When millers purchase padi at RM1,800 per tonne, some farmers feel they don’t need to put in much effort since the price is high. However, that yield is not worthwhile for a hectare of padi land, as others manage to produce between seven and 12 tonnes.”

Government’s Minimum Purchase Price Remains Unchanged

Mahfuz emphasized that the government has never lowered the minimum purchase price, which is currently set at RM1,300 per tonne. Instead, the government has raised the floor price from RM1,200 to RM1,300 per tonne previously. The RM1,800 price was set by the mills.

PeSawah’s Proposal for Increased Subsidies

Earlier today, Pertubuhan Persaudaraan Pesawah Malaysia (PeSawah) proposed that the government increase its subsidies from RM500 to RM1,000 per tonne of rice produced to create a win-win situation for farmers, millers, and consumers. PeSawah chairman Abdul Rashid Yob told FMT that this will ease the burden on farmers due to rising operational costs, especially if the government is reluctant to increase rice prices in the market.

Farmers’ Losses Due to Rising Production Costs

Abdul Rashid said that if the minimum purchase price remains at RM1,300 per tonne, farmers will suffer losses as production costs have risen by nearly 55%. On Monday, agriculture and food security minister Mohamad Sabu assured PeSawah that efforts are underway to address the group’s demands in raising the RM1,300 floor price for padi.

Conclusion

In conclusion, increasing padi yield is a viable solution for farmers to boost their income, rather than relying on an upward revision of the floor price. The government’s minimum purchase price remains unchanged, and farmers are advised to focus on increasing their yield to reap better rewards.

FAQs

Q: Why are padi farmers advised to increase their yield?
A: To boost their income more effectively than relying on an upward revision of the floor price.

Q: What is the current minimum purchase price for padi?
A: RM1,300 per tonne.

Q: Has the government lowered the minimum purchase price?
A: No, the government has raised the floor price from RM1,200 to RM1,300 per tonne previously.

Q: What is PeSawah’s proposal for increasing subsidies?
A: PeSawah proposes increasing subsidies from RM500 to RM1,000 per tonne of rice produced to create a win-win situation for farmers, millers, and consumers.

Q: Why are farmers suffering losses due to rising production costs?
A: Because production costs have risen by nearly 55%, and the minimum purchase price remains at RM1,300 per tonne.