Kuala Lampur:The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has clarified that there is no mandatory 20 percent deduction rate for padi sales by farmers. Instead, deductions are based on the actual quality of the padi harvest.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, KPKM stated that the grading rate is determined by factors such as moisture levels, the amount of immature and damaged grains, and the presence of dirt or foreign matter. If the padi delivered is of optimum quality, the deduction rate is significantly lower, adhering to the established standards.

In response to farmers' concerns about deduction rates, KPKM, through the state-level Kawalselia Padi dan Beras (KPB) regulatory body, initiated a national special monitoring operation starting September 14. This action coincides with the padi harvesting season, currently active in several states, and will extend to other regions as their harvests begin.

KPKM's implementation of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aims to ensure consistency across the nation and protect farmers from unfair practices. The SOP is crucial for ensuring farmers receive the correct Padi Price Subsidy based on actual quality and clean yield, while also preventing the misuse of public funds.

The ministry emphasized the importance of addressing price cut issues, as high deduction rates can impact farmers' income and potentially disrupt the national padi and rice industry ecosystem. KPKM also highlighted the need for collaboration within the ecosystem to tackle rice importation issues and strengthen the local rice industry, prioritizing farmers' welfare to boost the country's food security.