SHAH ALAM – All activities related to the padi and rice industry are now allowed to operate for 24 hours at full capacity.
The Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry, in a statement today, said this is in line with the extension of the third movement control order (MCO 3.0) by another two weeks to June 28.
“The ministry needs to ensure that padi and rice production is not affected during the MCO 3.0 period, so as to ensure sufficient stock in the country.”
The ministry said it has improved and expanded the standard operating procedures for the industry’s management to include padi cultivation, ploughing and harvesting, as well as the irrigation of padi fields.
Drones will be used for the purposes of seed sowing and disease control, as well as to distribute fertilisers and seeds, among others.
The ministry said the Northwest Selangor Integrated Agricultural Development Area and state Agriculture Department have carried out pest control at padi fields in Panchang Bedena and Bagan Terap/Sg Panjang.
This follows a pest attack on 6,632.4ha, or 98% of the total area.
“(The ministry) through the Padi Crop Disaster Fund will channel assistance to the affected farmers. We also express our appreciation to the Selangor government, which has contributed RM1.05 million to help tackle the pest problem.” – Bernama, June 17, 2021
