Sekinchan: The Northwest Selangor Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) is set to open special counters at four locations, including Sekinchan, from May 19 to 21 to assist padi farmers and padi machinery operators in applying for special permits to purchase diesel. This initiative aims to address the concerns raised by padi machinery operators who have reported being limited to purchasing only 20 litres of diesel per day, which is insufficient for their harvesting operations that require significantly higher fuel consumption.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu highlighted that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) may consider applications for up to 200 litres of diesel per day, as this matter falls under its jurisdiction. The decision to open counters is a response to the pressing need for more diesel supply to ensure the smooth operation of padi harvesting activities.
Reports have indicated that approximately 6,000 hectares of padi fields in areas such as Sekinchan, Sungai Leman, Sungai Nipah, and Pasir Panjang are at risk due to the ongoing diesel supply challenges. These difficulties have the potential to impact around 2,900 padi farmers and could result in a reduction of padi production by up to 42,000 tonnes per season if not addressed promptly.
On the topic of rice supply, Minister Mohamad assured that the current stock remains stable and is expected to meet demand until the end of the year. Efforts will be made to stabilize the supply further by January next year, discouraging panic buying among consumers.
In a related development, Minister Mohamad attended the launch of the Kota Raja parliamentary constituency Smart Pineapple Harvest Pilot Project. This project, initiated in August 2024, involves the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) supplying over 392,000 MD2 pineapple seedlings to 13 participants, covering a planting area of 10.40 hectares. The project is projected to generate a gross income of RM357,840 from an area of 2.4 hectares, with an estimated net profit of RM173,534 and a potential monthly net income of RM9,641.
Minister Mohamad emphasized the importance of sustainability in agricultural projects to ensure their long-term success and to prevent them from being discontinued prematurely.