Kuala Lumpur:The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) is advocating for Budget 2027 to prioritize the modernization of irrigation and drainage systems in paddy-growing areas.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, KPKM secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak emphasized the importance of this initiative to ensure the country's food security remains robust for the next 15 to 30 years. He expressed confidence that a substantial budget allocation towards upgrading these systems could significantly boost productivity over the next decade or two.

Speaking as a guest on Bernama Radio's Reaksi programme, Isham also highlighted the need for Budget 2027 to emphasize mechanization and technology as crucial elements in attracting younger generations to the agriculture industry. He believes this approach could transform perceptions of the paddy sector, reduce reliance on foreign labor, and enhance the entire paddy production ecosystem.

Isham noted the necessity for a balanced approach between subsidies and a focus on productivity, technology, and increasing the income of paddy farmers. Budget 2027 is set to be presented in the Dewan Rakyat on October 9.