130,000 padi farmers still waiting a year on for incentives
ALOR STAR: A padi farmers group has called on the government to step up its stakeholder engagement, as nearly 130,000 padi farmers are still waiting for incentives pledged a year ago.
The RM210 per hectare ploughing and harvesting incentive was announced by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu in June 2024.
However, the incentive remains unpaid, despite a recent statement that the matter would be resolved by the National Food Security Special Committee.
Pesawah chairman Abdul Rashid Yob said the committee had scheduled a meeting last Monday to finalise the distribution mechanism.
However, a week has passed with no updates or explanation, leaving farmers in the dark.
"It has been almost a year since this promise was made.
"Farmers have borne higher service charges for ploughing and harvesting, with no alternative support in place following the targeted diesel subsidy rationalisation," he told the "New Straits Times" today.
Rashid said farmers have raised their concerns through letters and engagement sessions, but the ministry has not offered any meaningful response.
He added that the ministry has received all necessary data from farmers' organisations and the Muda Agricultural Development Authority, yet it has failed to provide any feedback on its decisions.
"It always seems like a fire-fighting approach. They act only when there is noise and pressure. Farmers shouldn't have to wait this long for what was promised.
"We want to know what decisions have been finalised by the committee and when farmers will see the funds disbursed," he said.
He said farming machinery service providers are charging at least 30 per cent more for plowing and harvesting, due to rising fuel and operational costs.
This has further compounded farmers' financial burdens.
"Given these challenges, Pesawah urges the ministry to expedite the disbursement process."
On June 13, the ministry said it would finalise the distribution mechanism on last Monday, has been issued since.
When contacted, the minister's press secretary, Adeysham Nor, said a statement would be released soon.
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