SEKINCHAN – The government is well aware of the problems faced by farmers in the country following the increase in the prices of fertilisers and pesticides in the market, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
As such, he said the Finance Ministry has been instructed to solve the problems by ensuring that the prices are reduced, while at the same time providing the necessary aid to alleviate the burden of farmers, especially padi farmers.
“We have discussed the issue in a cabinet meeting. We understand that when the price of pesticides is high, (and) when the price of fertilisers is high, the overall costs will be high, too, and this will reduce the net income of farmers.
“Trust me, the people’s problems, (and) farmers’ problems are the government’s problems, too – and we will not let farmers shoulder those burdens alone. God willing, we will help,” he said at the launch of the new IS21 padi seed variety here today.
Ismail Sabri said the increase in the prices of fertilisers and pesticides is because the items are imported.
He said although some local companies, cooperatives, and the National Farmers Organisation are producing fertilisers and pesticides, the major raw materials for the production of the items are also imported.
Meanwhile, he said the government always strives to ensure efforts to improve the productivity of the padi industry are done proactively, including by introducing the latest technologies and empowering its capabilities to face future challenges.
“However, the responsibility should not be shouldered by the government and farmers alone, as it needs a joint effort, inclusive and together, which is among the main thrusts of the Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) concept,” he said.
Ismail Sabri urged more local researchers from various fields to conduct research and development, and work together to come out with agro-food innovation – hence, improving the standard of living of Keluarga Malaysia.
High-income nation
He said the government is always ready to face global challenges and has introduced various people-centred initiatives, including the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), a comprehensive five-year plan with the aim to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Keluarga Malaysia.
The main goal is to become a high-technology and high-income nation with the Research, Development, Commercialisation, and Innovation (RDCI) programme identified as one of the main thrusts of 12MP, he said.
Ismail Sabri said the Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) has a vital role to play in formulating RDCI strategies through the development and inculcation of a science, technology, and innovation culture among Keluarga Malaysia.
On the launch of the padi seed today, Ismail Sabri said the introduction of the IS21 padi seed is the result of Mosti’s high-impact project undertaken by the Malaysian Nuclear Agency.
Apart from having a high level of resistance to unpredictable weather and crop diseases, the IS21 seed also has a high potential to provide high yield and increase farmers’ income as it can produce up to nine tonnes of rice per hectare, if managed according to the guidelines recommended by the government.
“The cost of cultivation can be reduced by 10%-20% due to lesser usage of fertilisers and pesticides. Crop yield can also increase by 40%-67%, depending on the areas and farmers’ cultivation practices,” he said.
The said Mosti’s initiative in producing IS21 is part of its efforts to increase national food security, in line with the government’s aspiration to increase its self-sufficient level and reduce dependency on imported rice in the future. – Bernama, November 20, 2021
