Kuala lumpur: The government has agreed to provide an advance payment of RM200 per hectare under the Ploughing Incentive Special Aid to help padi farmers nationwide. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative, approved at today's National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, is expected to benefit nearly 240,000 registered farmers, with a financial implication of RM48 million.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this measure is crucial as farmers need to rent ploughing machinery and require upfront capital to continue the ploughing programme. Anwar explained that providing a RM200 per hectare advance allows farmers to proceed with their planting activities. He addressed these issues during a press conference on the global supply crisis.

Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, emphasized the government's awareness of the challenges farmers face, especially with rising fuel and agricultural input costs due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Anwar mentioned that these concerns were previously addressed through the Ploughing Incentive for Padi Farmers (IPKP), which was announced by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu on April 14. The assistance was increased from RM160 to RM300 per hectare to aid farmers in coping with higher commercial diesel prices.

He further stated that the government is committed to exploring additional measures to ease the financial burden on the public amid ongoing global supply pressures. Anwar assured that despite significant challenges, efforts will continue to alleviate the burden on the people, particularly those who are poorer and more vulnerable.