Kota bharu: The Kemubu Agriculture Development Authority (KADA) contributed 199,238 metric tonnes of white rice, or 9.5 per cent of the country's needs last year, rising from 143,773 metric tonnes the year before. Its chairman, Khalid Abd Samad, said the rise reflected the effectiveness of various improvement initiatives, including a more systematic crop management, the more efficient use of agriculture inputs, and strengthened infrastructure support.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Khalid expressed that this achievement demonstrates KADA's ability to enhance its contribution to Malaysia's rice supply. This year, the aim is to reach at least an 11 per cent contribution. Aside from the rice sector, 2025 also recorded successes in non-rice sectors with the involvement of 426 participants and an allocation of RM73.72 million to develop agro-entrepreneurs under KADA's supervision.
Khalid stated that KADA plans to continue improving rice production capacity through an integrated approach focused on increased productivity, modernisation of agriculture practices, absorbing smart technology, as well as sustainable and efficient management of water resources. This approach aims to reduce dependence on imported rice and serves as a vital foundation for strengthening national food security sustainably in the medium and long term.
In efforts to expand rice fields, KADA plans to work on 242 hectares of unused land in Tumpat through a partnership with the Kelantan Agricultural Development Corporation. Rice planting is also planned for 60 hectares of land tainted with saltwater in Kampung Simpangan, Tumpat, and areas around Machang will be identified for cultivation under KADA's supervision.
Khalid also highlighted the hope of overcoming the lack of water supply for rice crops during the dry season this year with the help of Kemubu Pump Stations 3 and 4, which are expected to begin operations next month. Additionally, bank reinforcement work and piling improvements are planned to support these efforts.
KADA received RM317 million in allocations under the 13th Malaysia Plan to carry out 19 development projects, which include 18 new projects and the continuation of one project. This allocation has been strategically planned to support KADA's mandate to improve the national food chain, aligning with the need to enhance the resilience of the food system in the face of uncertain global markets, climate change, and geopolitical stresses.