By Amin Ridzuan Ishak
SHAH ALAM, Dec 14 — The authorities have been asked to conduct a thorough study in order to resolve the problem of declining rice yields in Sabak, which have affected up to 3,000 farmers.
Its assemblyman Ahmad Mustain Othman said despite the efforts of agencies to change the seeds and fertiliser, the problem has occurred repeatedly and as such its actual cause needs to be identified.
He addeed the declining rice yields had reached up to 100 kg per season, which resulted in losses for farmers from Parit Satu to Bagan Terap, since they have to pay for costs like renting harvesters.
“I have long raised this issue and was provided help by the state government, now we must determine the true cause by conducting a special study, so that a long-term solution can be taken.
“I hope the study can be carried out immediately, so as to protect the farmers in Sabak Bernam. Indeed, this problem is also occuring in Sekinchan,” Ahmad Mustain said when contacted today.
Earlier on December 2, Sekinchan assemblyman Ng Suee Lim also raised the issue of declining rice yields, requesting the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry provide aid of RM2,000 to farmers in Selangor’s rice fields.
It was reported that over 10,000 farmers in Sekinchan, Sabak, and Permatang have incurred losses following a 50 per cent decline in rice yields, from 10 tonnes to five tonnes a season.
On August 12, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the state government has allocated RM2.79 million to assist over 10,000 farmers in Selangor in increasing their crop yields.
He said the assistance includes expenditure to increase rice yields, providing pest control materials, seeds, pest management, and rice output.
