Kota bharu: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has allocated an additional RM850,000 to enhance agricultural infrastructure in the padi growing areas supervised by the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA). This allocation aims to address water supply issues that have affected rice fields in previous seasons.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, KADA General Manager Mohd Faizul Mustafa confirmed that the funds would be used to construct tube wells in areas experiencing water shortages, specifically in Pasir Mas and Kota Bharu. The tube wells will be installed based on need, with some equipped with engine facilities to ensure a stable water supply.
Mohd Faizul expressed gratitude for the allocation, highlighting the importance of this assistance in improving existing facilities to help farmers manage water supply challenges, particularly during dry seasons. He spoke about the allocation during a prayer ceremony marking the beginning of KADA's 1/2026 Rice Planting Season.
The support from the Kemubu pump facility and government incentives will enable KADA to aim for the cultivation of up to 95 percent of the 24,500 hectares of padi fields under its management. The projected output for this area is about 200,000 tonnes of padi, contingent upon favorable weather and efficient irrigation.
The 1/2026 padi planting season is set to start in early June, with harvesting expected to conclude by mid-November. Mohd Faizul noted that timely harvesting before the flood season could minimize potential losses for farmers, although early floods remain a risk.
Additionally, Mohd Faizul stated that farmers who do not adhere to the planting schedule by the end of the month will have to absorb any resultant losses. These farmers will not qualify for the Padi Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP), which provides up to RM3,000 per hectare for crops lost to natural disasters, diseases, or pests. This policy aligns with KPKM's efforts to ensure water supply to nearly 95 percent of rice fields, supported by government infrastructure improvements, including the Kemubu Pump facility.