Kota bharu: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) has allocated RM20.55 million for several strategic projects to the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) under the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13) this year. Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, announced the allocation, emphasizing the significance of upgrading infrastructure to enhance agricultural productivity.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, among the projects earmarked for the funds are the upgrading of the Kemubu and Kasa pump stations, the mechanical pump system, as well as the introduction of mechanisation and smart technology for rice granaries. Mohamad Sabu highlighted that the MADANI government is committed to supporting the state of Kelantan by investing in critical infrastructure improvements. The projects include upgrading pump stations at a cost of RM28 million, enhancing the mechanical pump system at RM40 million, and integrating advanced technology to modernize agricultural methods.

Mohamad Sabu shared these insights at the Karnival Cahaya Aidilfitri Usahawan KPKM Dan Majlis Iftar Kasih held at the Rural Transformation Centre, Tunjong. He further elaborated on the ministry's response following the major flood in Kelantan last December, which destroyed over 1,500 hectares of padi crops. The KPKM approved compensation totaling RM4.62 million to assist affected farmers.

Of the compensation amount, RM3.58 million was allocated to 465 farmers under KADA, RM146,000 to farmers in the Integrated Agriculture Development Area (IADA) Kemasin Semerak, and RM891,000 to 206 farmers outside the granaries supervised by the Kelantan Agriculture Department. Mohamad Sabu assured that payments are being processed in phases through Agrobank to ensure that farmers receive assistance promptly.