Ayer Hitam: Farmers in the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) areas have expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the government for selecting Kedah to implement Phase One of the Five Seasons in Two Years Padi Cultivation Programme. MADA Agricultural Organisation Coordinating Committee chairman Ishak Taib said that farmers in Kedah and Perlis were thankful as the Prime Minister personally visited and met with the farmers, as well as provided assistance.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ishak mentioned that the farmers appreciated the government’s decision to choose MADA Kedah and Perlis for this significant project. He emphasized that the recognition of the farmers’ hard work by the government is a positive step. The project is expected to provide additional income for the farmers and open new opportunities for those who have been long associated with padi cultivation.

Ishak was met after attending the launch ceremony of the infrastructure development project to support the programme, held in Ayer Hitam. Local farmer Azhar Bakar, 62, expressed that the five-seasons project would aid in improving the economic conditions of the farming community. He acknowledged the increased workload but was optimistic about better yields and income.

Zainol Abidin Ramli, 54, another farmer from Pokok Sena, attended the project launch to hear directly from the country’s leader. He hoped that the infrastructure improvements would alleviate issues such as water supply problems and contribute to boosting the country’s rice production, thereby reducing dependency on imports.

In Perlis, State Agriculture, Plantation, and Consumerism Committee chairman Razali Saad conveyed his appreciation for the development project, which spans six areas in Perlis covering 4,916.3 hectares. Razali highlighted that the project would benefit 2,833 farmers in the state, with significant financial backing and completed land acquisition.

He expressed optimism about the project’s potential to enhance rice production in Perlis. The six areas under the project include three in Kayang, with one each in Arau, Tambun Tulang, and Simpang Empat. Razali shared that the estimated budget for these areas exceeds RM200 million, and further steps are underway to ensure successful implementation.