Cloud seeding to be carried out in Kerian to address dry padi fields
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the decision was made following concerns raised by padi farmers in Kerian, Perak, over the receding water level in Bukit Merah Lake.
"We are working on the cloud seeding. We've done it before but we'll have to wait and see. However, (levels at) reservoirs remain a critical concern.
"That is why a water transfer project is being planned in the Kerian Valley to address water issues in the Kerian Valley and South Seberang Prai," he told a press conference after a ceremony to unveil the new Clearfield padi varieties MR CL3 and MR CL4 at the Felcra Berhad Padi Seed Centre here on Monday (July 14).
Mohamad said the raw water distribution project from Sungai Perak to the Bukit Merah Dam, aimed at increasing water supply capacity for agricultural use in the Kerian area, is expected to begin in August.
In another development, he said the increase in rice supply quotas to manufacturers would be based on each factory's production capacity.
"The quota is based on capacity. If a bumiputra-owned factory has the capacity, we will do our best to assist," he said.
On Wednesday, Perak rural development, plantation, agriculture and food industry committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said that the state government would submit a request to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to increase the rice supply quota for manufacturers, especially bumiputra manufacturers, to meet current needs and safeguard the country's food supply.
He said the move was crucial to ensure cooperation between large and small manufacturers in revitalising the rice industry and maintaining a stable and adequate supply. – Bernama
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