Kota Bharu: The Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) has taken several proactive measures to prevent rice crops from being affected during the Southwest Monsoon, said its chairman Khalid Abdul Samad. He stated that current efforts include ensuring an uninterrupted water supply, cleaning irrigation canals and drainage systems, preparing the Kemubu 3 Pump Station, and reinforcing the remaining sheet piles.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, KADA has received an allocation of RM20 million from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under post-flood funding for infrastructure repairs, farm road improvements, and irrigation system maintenance. Khalid expressed hope that with the Kemubu 3 Pump Station and the soon-to-be-completed sheet pile reinforcement, water supply shortages, especially during dry spells, will be overcome. He emphasized the positive impact of cleaning operations for the irrigation and drainage systems in ensuring smooth water supply for crops. Additionally, KADA plans to use higher-quality seeds and fertilizers this season to ensure optimal harvests.
Khalid shared these updates after attending the KADA chairman’s morning assembly with staff at the KADA headquarters, which was also attended by KADA general manager Mohd Faizul Mustafa. Previously, Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr. Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip had indicated that the Southwest Monsoon is expected to begin on May 10 and continue until September, driven by consistent southwesterly winds across the region.
Khalid revealed that KADA aims to achieve a rice yield of eight tonnes per hectare, following a previous record of five tonnes per hectare. As of today, the total harvested rice stands at 44,931.9 tonnes, which marks a significant increase compared to around 11,997 tonnes in the first season. Although only about 43 percent of the crop has been harvested, the yield is already higher than last season. Productivity has reached five tonnes per hectare, compared to four tonnes previously, with some areas achieving eight tonnes, albeit limited to certain locations. Khalid emphasized the need to study practices in high-yield areas and apply them elsewhere to boost output, aiming to exceed the ministry’s target of six tonnes per hectare.