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ALOR STAR – A total of RM1.1 million has been allocated for the restoration of 34 hectares of padi fields in Kg Titi Bakong and Kg Rendang Pasir, Yan, which were destroyed due to the Gunung Jerai mudflow and flooding incidents on August 18.
The Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry (Mafi) said the allocation is part of the immediate aid of RM75 million for Kedah, which was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob when he visited the affected areas last Monday.
“Of the total RM1.1 million, RM495,000 will be used to repair all damaged infrastructure including farm roads, concrete drainage, and irrigation supply pipes, as well as to clean and maintain reusable pumps, while the remaining RM555,000 will be used for the restoration of rice fields, which involves work to remove sediment, padi-upland rotation, leveling of soil and restoring soil fertility,” it said in a statement today.
In addition, a total of RM50,000 will be used for the cancellation of the 2/2021 crop season under the Lubok Boi Irrigation Scheme, involving an area of 15ha.
In the meantime, various agencies and relevant departments such as the Muda Agriculture Development Authority, Agriculture Department, Veterinary Services Department, Fisheries Department and Farmers’ Organisation Authority Malaysia are mobilising their assets for repair and restoration work.
Mafi said the total losses incurred for the agriculture sector, especially for crops other than padi, livestock and fisheries in the Yan and Kuala Muda districts, was estimated to stand at RM286,000. – Bernama, August 28, 2021
